I haven’t been brave enough to count how many shoes now live in my wardrobe.  I know that there are quite a number that should really never been worn outside of a photo studio for fear of permanent injury… yet I do.  After weeks and weeks on my feet and suffering from the most hideous swollen legs and crippling foot pain, I called an end to stupidity. Could I find cute and comfortable shoes?

Given that I think my podiatrist and osteopath have me down as their future retirement plan, I know I can’t give up my fancy heels; besides which it is too damaging to my psyche. But finding heels of a manageable height with good width, comfortable foot bed and retro looks as well as something I can dance in? The hunt was on.

The problem with so many of the cheap and cheerful shoes out at the moment is that they are just cheap really. There is nothing cheerful about how much pain you are in after an hour or two. When you consider that many of my events mean standing for a 10-12 hour day, then spending another 5 hours on the dance floor, you can imagine how medieval most shoes feel at the end of that!  While I haven’t yet put these through the ultimate test of one of those events, I have worn them for a 5 hour straight session of standing up on ‘stage’ presenting. And they didn’t kill me!

Shoes – Wittner - “Mood” in black or red suede. (Damn you internet shopping, I found another three gorgeous ones on the site while just looking for this link!)

Price – $159.95

Available – Instore and online

Features – Ankle strap (a must have for dancing), sturdy square design heel, cushioned foot bed, black suede with self bow.

Comfort Factor – Very good! I bought these with the express purpose of not being crippled after a 10 hour stun of standing at events. So far, they aren’t as good as flats of course, but right up there with the more comfortable end of heel wearing.

If there is something you’ve been dying to find to fix your vintage wardrobe, but just haven’t found; add your request and let’s see if we can find you your own Vintage Style Find o’ the Month.

(not my family, but a gorgeous picture of the Halvorsen family that represents just how Christmas looks in my head…)

Last week a friend sent me an email with this message, capturing what I been thinking in a very succinct way…

.

1. Alice Jean’s Soda Pop Shop for locally made, beautiful soaps and vintage inspired children’s clothing. YUM!

2. Melbournalia is not only filled with wonderful Australian made wares, but these are even local to MELBOURNE! (Yes, that’s the city I live in). Lots of ephemera, postal goods and fancy wares.

3. Sukin - natural, organic hand and nail cream that smells heavenly and has been doing wonders for my hard working hands.

4. If you hadn’t already figured it out by the avalanche of blog posts  on Some Fancy Ladies™, we are all Australian grown, shot here, produced and printed here! So adorn the walls of those you love with some home grown pinup art.

5. If you’re looking for something truly magically for the children in your life this Christmas, I think I’ve discover the ultimate in one of a kind, love them forever gifts.  Handcrafted from local gumtree timber, Bentsticks creates these incredible fantasy mini tree houses and gnomes that have to be seen to be believed! They even now have a range of night lights. These are guaranteed to ignite the imagination.

6. For totally Australian made, stunning looks to get you through your Christmas parties or even for great gift vouchers, take a look at Peta Pledger, Powderpuff Boutique & Hot Couture – Gorgeous, locally made, vintage inspired apparel.

There’s loads and loads of great ideas out there. In fact, if you spend a few minutes on Facebook, you’re likely to uncover some fantastic local businesses with all sorts of gift vouchers on offer. How about portrait sittings with Finessence Photography or your own classic pinup shoot with Helen McLean. You could even treat yourself and a friend to Personal Shopping tours, Vintage Styling Sessions or Vintage Makeup lessons with me over the holidays. Want to learn how to be Charming? Book a gift voucher for the Lindy Charm School for Girls next workshop in your city.

It goes without saying that wherever you live in the world, this message applies. No doubt there will be some things on your wish list that you can’t get at home, but there are loads that you can. There are so many wonderful, creative, keen people out there that are more than happy to help fulfil your Christmas gift list. Your local economy and the tables of those at home will thank you for it!

December is proving to be far more busy and fun than I thought it would be this year. It’s always a busy time, what with the shopping, the school plays, the extra juggle of children on holidays and what not. But this December, although it has only just started, is shaping up to be the most fun and fancy time I’ve had in a while.

This month I’m helping Matchbox and Kitchen Aid with a really cool new contest they are running, in which you can win allkinds of cool prize including your favourite retro coloured Kitchen Aids! All you have to do is dress up in your retro best and take a photo with a Kitchen Aid to enter. I’m having real trouble picking my favourite with the glossy cherry red and hot pink vying for the lead.

Knowing that not everyone is as vintage obsessed with me, they’ve enlisted my help to teach the secrets to getting a vintage look and help you with your entries.  I spent last Sunday down at Chadstone to launch the contest, and will be appearing again in store at Westfield Doncaster between 11-2pm to do another demonstration and answer your questions.  If you have a free afternoon or would like to come down and play Kitchen Aid pretty up with me, make sure to head on down early as it gets very busy! You can find out more about the Kitchen Aid contest details here. (If you happen to be in Queensland, Mistress Chrissy of The Lindy Charm School for Girls will be at Westfield Chermside from 11-2pm this Sunday for you too!)

Listening closely!

The lovely Charlotte from Matchbox in KitchenAid pink!

With everyone’s thoughts suddenly turning to what to buy for Christmas, Some Fancy Ladies™ have been flat out doing store appearances for our 2012 pinup art calendar.  It’s proving to be a hit with young and old, both men and women.  Some of the delightful old dears we’ve run into have told us all kinds of stories from their youth, their wardrobes and even some secret saucy moments. I’m always honoured when we get to meet people and write personal messages on their calendars for them. We’ve had messages of birthday love, Sweet 16′s, Christmas stocking surprises and even something to give grandpa an extra “get well”! Friday night Bonnie Rose and I were in at Flowers of Canterbury on Mailing Road in amongst some of the most gorgeous flowers to meet and greet. Aren’t they just stunning?!

I can be a bit of a ham..

Our swanky calendars and cards

I just adore the colours in here!

If you haven’t ordered your copy of the calendar yet and want to see it in the flesh, you’ll find it locally now in store at Flowers of Canterbury, and Anton’s Clothing in Melbourne Central! Now, time for a bit of a sit down I think!

I’ve found my Christmas spirit early this year, but instead of the usual baubles and candy canes, I’m hard at work creating my own Kitsch-mas wonderland! If you’re a vintage collector like me, or even have a stash of cute and crazy toys around; you have the makings of your own kitsch’s decorating solution.  Here’s some of the inspiration I’ve been using to fancy up my pad for the season ahead.

Details

Details

Details

Details

What are your tips for a Merry Kitsch-mas?

In the last instalment of Vintage Style Find of the Month, we found a great lady like framed handbag. And being a sucker for a good piece of arm candy, this month’s style find is also of the bag variety.  I spotted this through the doorway to the store when out shopping with a friend and quite nearly tripped over myself to get inside and add it to my collection. You see why.

Bag – Peter Alexander

Price – $99.90

Available – Instore and online

Features – Large woven tote bag size with hot pink cotton lining, cotton crochet bobble trim and pink flamingo for handle.

(I’ve just realised that the last Style find of the month was in July!  So I have some catch up shopping to do.   )

If there is something you’ve been dying to find to fix your vintage wardrobe, but just haven’t found; add your request and let’s see if we can find you your own Vintage Style Find o’ the Month.