Today’s outfit is a little bit work a tiny bit fantasy… all because it is something I put together for a shoot and then proceeded to have a bit of a diva moment in. The divine Bernie Dexter sent me these incredible ‘Rosie’ dungarees as, I’ll admit, somewhat of a challenge. I haven’t in my adult life worn anything like these. In fact, the last pair I owned were green candy striped with a Smurf appliqué and worn while climbing trees! Mr. SKM has always asked me about these too. Being rather partial to a more down-home kind of girl, he’s been trying to convince me to wear a pair of these for ages, but all I could think about were the bad 1990′s versions worn by teen stars in school hallways! Eeeep!

So when it came to styling these up, I found I was presented with so many choices that it is likely you’ll see them appear in multiple guises over the coming months. But firstly I had to do something entirely classic, a little Betty Grable-esque and (aside from the fabulous shoes) an outfit that is the cutest little gardening ensemble you could imagine! Happy pre-Valentines Day Mr. SKM!

Outfit Details

Denim Dungarees (or as they are often known in Australia – Overalls) – The “Rosie” by Bernie Dexter. Super stretchy and very comfortable light weight blue denim. Two simple side pockets, rear zip and button detail. Yes, they are super fitted and true to size, so if you like things a bit roomier, go up a size or two.

Floral shirt – Princess Highway S/S 2012

Blue shoes – Urban Originals many seasons ago

White bangle – Diva, many seasons ago

Yellow rose – hair flower made by me

Blue Hydrangea – real!

Beauty Note

Nail colour -”My Little Secret” by Missa

Lip Colour – Beseme Red

*All original images by Helen McLean for Super Kawaii Mama.com – Images may be reproduced with appropriate permissions. Feel free to add to Pinterest, Tumblr etc…* 

]]> http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2012/02/07/daily-outfit-inspirations-gardening-with-betty/feed/ 14 http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2012/01/17/daily-outfit-sadie-sees-some-sunshine/ http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2012/01/17/daily-outfit-sadie-sees-some-sunshine/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:16:33 +0000 Super Kawaii Mama http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/?p=8459 I’ve been waiting for the perfect day to wear this 1940′s styled, vintage inspired dress by Trashy Diva. The Sadie dress really gets it right. A light cotton blend with a strong green background and delightful floral print, all with a waterfall of tiered ruffles across one hip. Sadly, Melbourne’s weather has not been playing ball this last month, alternating between cold and hailing then hot as hell the next; neither of which you’d want to be outside in. So yesterday, when the weather man predicted a delightful day, I made plans to meet a friend for breakfast on the streets of Melbourne and knew it was time to take Sadie on an outing.

Given the strong 1940′s style of the dress, I wanted to style the look with a more modern for the day, and so I anchored the light floaty fabric with a chunky hot pink suede wedge heel. With unstructured hair and a silver sequinned bag, it was perfect for a stroll in the morning sunlight, while the breeze carried the heady scent of chocolate brioche our way.

Outfit Details

Vintage Style Sadie Dress – by Trashy Diva and available in Australia from Miskonduct Klothing

Pink wedge shoes – Tony Bianco

Silver sequinned bag – unknown label and origin (picked it up at Camberwell market)

Beaded ring – handmade market find

Floral clay and ribbon earrings – Crystal Dollies hand made accessories

Diamonte crystal bangle – Chomel

Lip colour – “Frosty Berry” by Savvy @Priceline

Nail colour – “That’s my little secret” no.215 by Misa

* All original images by Helen McLean for Super Kawaii Mama.com – Images may be reproduced with appropriate permissions. Feel free to add to Pinterest etc.. with linking credits.* 

Here are the in depth tricks to creating Sophia Loren’s classic cats eye liquid liner look. I spent many hours studying photos of Ms. Loren and just how she achieved this look over the years. Now I’ve broken it down into simple steps for you!  I’ve started this look with my face already made up with a matt base, pink pouty lips and lightly smokey eye. There are new tutorials coming on how to achieve this basic look too, but for now we’re concentrating on the liner which is all you need to add to your current day time look for a sexy alternative.

 

Products Used

Essence – Liquid liner in black with brush tip

Flat angled brush

Maybelline ‘Falsies’ mascara in black

Dark brown shadow by Physicians Formula from the Baked Sweets Trio

Lash Grip clear lash glue

Flat Nose tweezers from Manicare

There are lots of new tutorials in editing at the moment. Hair, makeup, skin care; even cooking!  If you have any suggestions for things you’d like to see, please ask away. In the meantime, make sure to subscribe to my Super Kawaii Mama You Tube channel where all the new video content appears first!

~Sophia Loren & Guess Jeans~

When it comes to high voltage casual looks, no one does it better than the classic hollywood bombshell. And nothing captures this look better for me than the iconic Sophia Loren.  When I started thinking about what I wanted to wear for today’s date to the playground with my daughter and my girlfriend, I turned to Ms Loren for a bit of inspiration – vamping up the look with some killer cats eye makeup. It was once I’d actually dressed and looked in the mirror I was drawn by the parallel between the classic Loren look and the gorgeous Guess Jeans campaigns.  This wasn’t a tricky look to achieve by any means, and was perfectly practical for a day spent in a seaside park, eating burgers and playing on the grass.

Outfit Details

Gingham western shirt with pearl snaps – Harris Scarfe

Denim stretch capri jeans – Bernie Dexter

Lucky Horseshoe necklace – Etsy

Rope soled wedges – Target (years ago)

Carved scrimshaw style bangle – Diva

Eye makeup – Inspired by Sophia Loren and a new tutorial coming soon!! (Currently in editing)

* All original images by Helen McLean for Super Kawaii Mama.com – Images may be reproduced with appropriate permissions. Feel free to add to Pinterest etc.. with linking credits.*  

Just prior to Christmas, I spent a little time exploring some stores in Melbourne I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of playing in. I was particularly eager to visit a small optical store in Fiztroy with an exceptional collection of vintage glasses; Che Eyewear. Now I don’t wear reading glasses (although I have them, I haven’t worn them in ages) I do have an addiction to buying cute sunglasses.

Given that so many of my favourite cats eye and bejewelled vintage glasses are now being reproduced at alarming price tags; I wanted to find out what was available in the way of deadstock originals. So I spent some time with the wonderful owner of Che, Rose.

Rose and her family own the business and aren’t just your usual optometrists, but serious vintage collectors. Tired of the same old, sub par experiences on offer; Che have created a beautiful boutique experience where choosing the perfect pair of glasses becomes and adventure in style and in time. Inspired by her Great Aunt’s love of a killer frame in the 1940′s, Rose uses images of this lovely lady and her delightful specs all around the business.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking….

Rose was simply lovely, both helpful and knowledgable. In fact she is one of those people you feel you already know, such was our shared enthusiasm for old world designs and quality. All of the stock is new-old stock, which means the frames are in tip top condition for their age and can be fitted with almost any prescription. The price range was incredibly reasonable, and certainly far more kind than many of the (far less impressive) reproductions I’ve seen.

If you wear glasses, including sunglasses; this is one place to add to your Places to Visit list. After all, you can visit Che Eyewear for eye examinations too – a great way to get your eye check bulk billed while in the most pretty of vintage stores!

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!

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What are your tips for a Merry Kitsch-mas?

After a long winter and many more cold and rainy days this spring, it is sometimes hard to keep your thoughts on the up and up.  When all you want to do is soak in the sunshine and eat gelato, but the weather has other ideas, you need to inject your own ray of sunshine, your own happy making recipe into your days.

Today was a day of transforming everyday women into classic pinups with my hair and makeup magic in the studio with my good friend Helen McLean.  While it is occasionally tempting to create a working uniform, my fantastic imagination always gets the better of me (thanks goodness!) and creates something new and fun for each little adventure my days bring.

Outfit Details

1960′s gold lame capri pants – Vintage deadstock from Bonnie Rose Vintage

1960′s pink knit top – vintage fair find

Shoes – Gold rope wedges from Target many summers ago

Silk scarf – Morgan De Toi

Sunglasses – Betsey Johnson

Eyeshadow – Sephora own brand, blue glitter shadow

Lips – my own custom mix of colours.

* All images by Helen McLean for Super Kawaii Mama. – Images may be reproduced with appropriate permissions.* 

When I had the opportunity to go and see Dita Von Teese launch her new vintage inspired fashion label, I knew I wanted to wear something pretty but not too over the top. Of course an occasion like that feels as though it calls for the christening of a new outfit as well, so it was the perfect opportunity to take my new ‘Honey’ dress out for a spin.

The ‘Honey’ dress by Trashy Diva, is available through my wonderful sponsor who carries all manner of beautiful vintage reproduction dresses, Miskonduckt Klothing.  I have a real fondness for their pieces, not only for their retro sensibilities but also for their quality fabrics and construction.  This dress is a gorgeous scarlet polished cottoning a heavy weight, with some stretch and a side zip. It allows for a very figure hugging fit without the danger of splitting a seam in a moment of haste.  The skirt is super full and perfect for a spin round the dance floor, but my favourite hidden feature? Pockets!  There is something so wonderful about these 1950′s style dresses with pockets on both sides of the full skirts; it just makes you want to start posing around like a movie star on her day off.  And thanks to my lovely friend Helen McLean Photography, that’s exactly what I did.

Outfit Details

Dress – ‘Honey’ dress in red by Trashy Diva of New Orleans, available from Miskonduct Klothing

Shoes – Red faux suede wedges – Spendless shoes ($40!- a great find and super comfortable)

Stockings –  Voodoo “Bombshell” seamed stockings

Suspenders – (unseen) Kiss Me Deadly Vargas roll on girdle in blue.

For my all my new readers, thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you find things here to delight, inspire and help you on your glamorous journey. Make sure to follow me on my official Facebook Fan Page and Twitter to keep up with all the events and news hot of the press. You can also subscribe to my Super Kawaii Mama You Tube Chanel to be the first to see all the new interviews and tutorials.

Happy Melbourne Cup Day all!