How to Avoid the Post Holiday Blues.

Notebooks from Flirty Bird. Plush cactus in a pot from San-X Sabo. Sleep mask from Click for Art.

For many of us this back to work time is one of the hardest of the year. Especially if you’re currently struggling through winter as well and haven’t seen the sun in a long time. I’m one of those odd creatures that actually looks forward to this time of year, as I love the feeling of new beginnings that it brings. So I thought I’d share some of my tips for remaining upbeat and optimistic in the face of the back to work grumps.

1. Be Organised AND Cute!

Treating yourself to new co-ordinated stationery was always one of the greatest things about heading back to school, so do the same for your work. Even if you don’t work in an office, just a cute notebook and matching pen so you can write down thoughts and ideas as they come to you.
If you’re not a paper person and have made the transition to keeping everything electronically, these treats can be new phone cases, iPad/tablet cases, updated wallpapers and lock screens, even new list making apps like Wunderlist (I ADORE this!).

2. Take the time to clean.

Cleaning out your handbag, desk, car and emails is a great way to start the year without feeling the burden of the year before. Many of you will be on top of this already, but how’s that inbox looking? Don’t be afraid to liberally apply the delete button, unsubscribe from unwanted updates, check your FB settings to make sure that your privacy is protected and you’re not getting notifications all day.

Now that you’re on top of the organization front, you can at least go back to work feeling like you have a head start.

3. Beautify your space.

If you have a desk, keep it clear – but not so clear that there is not something to rest the eyes on when you need a “calm blue oceans” moment. Fifty nick nacks is not a help, but a small plant, a picture of puppies/ kittens/ unicorns/Johnny Depp, will!
If you work in a store, or somewhere else where the space is not your own, think of things you can have on you at all times that make you feel a bit more special. Try silk knickers, a new fragrance, a locket with a picture of your happy making place. For chaps, things like gorgeous tie pins, a fresh manicure and even an old fashioned hot shave will go a long way to making you feel brand new.

4. Prepare the snappy come back.

This may sound a little pessimistic, but undoubtedly there will be those who will think nothing of ruining your holiday buzz with their kill joy attitudes. Let’s try-

“ I love being back at work, the dog wasn’t quite enough of an audience for this level of awesomeness.”
“Being back at work is just great. It really makes the weekends that much more fantastic.”
“I’m so thrilled to be back at work, I was really missing those LOL cats.”
“Lucky I’m back at work this week. Now I can stalk you in real life instead of just on FB.”
Or just mess with them and tell everyone that you can’t talk to them unless they hold up this giant @ reply cut out, cause that’s the only way you’ll pay attention these days.
… but seriously..

5. Eat well.

If you were fortunate enough to take your taste buds on a tour this break, bring the flavours back with you. Went to Thailand? Learn to cook a mean green curry and bring some to work. Sip of coconut juice for that tropical flavor. Add Pawpaw to your breakfast and relax with lemon grass tea. I know a few of you should be trying your hand and Malaysian food. And if you didn’t get away, just pretend you did and give your stomach a rest from the peanut butter sandwiches for a while.

6. Sleep.

After the New Years you had you’re still going to need it! It’s hard enough to get our body back into routine, but burn the candle at both ends and you’ll be ruined before the week is out. Plan to spend the evenings of your first week back in the most relaxing way you can. Skip the alcohol in favour of non caffeinated tea. Give yourself a foot spa or a long bath, then relax for half an hour with a chilled or warmed eye mask before hitting the hay before 10pm if you can.

These are my top tips for avoiding the post holiday blues. If you have some excellent ones that work for you, please share them in the comments. Goodness knows we can all do with a hand at this time of year!

(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!

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!

Wow! It seems that after the last post on Pantyhose, I’ve discovered that I am not a freak after all… the rest of you have just been hiding from the fashion press. Either that or these ‘researchers’ have never asked around outside of their local milkbar.  After the overwhelming response from you all, and I must say a big THANK YOU for all your input, I’ve learnt so much more about the wearing of hoisiery around the world. I can say it is clear that the trend for gossamer leg wear is certainly dependant on your city of origin and your penchant for vintage. But it also became obvious that there is a serious lack of education and information out there about those funny things we put on our legs. So here it is -

Candice DeVille’s Guide to Hosiery.

The what’s what and how to find the right ones for you.

With all the different names out there for thing you put on your legs, it’s a common mistake to think that all these terms are interchangeable. In fact, they all represent something different. The only all encompassing term is ‘Hosiery’; which includes stockings, pantyhose, tights and yes, even socks. So let’s take a look at what’s what in a nutshell then we can get down to the nitty gritty of each style.

Pantyhose –

Pantyhose did not exist before 1959, when they were invented by Glen Mills. They were designed to combined both ‘panties’ (underpants) and ‘stockings’.  But just because they were invented, didn’t mean everyone was quick on the uptake. It wasn’t until the mid 1960′s that seamless pantyhose came around. Complete with ‘control tops’ or the heavier, stretch panty section, that they eliminated the need for girdles making them very popular with the younger market. Coinciding with the rise in popularity of the mini-skirt, Pantyhose took over as the hosiery of choice for most women until this day.

Made of a combination of nylon and spandex; referring to Pantyhose as “nylons” is a misnomer, the term being reserved for stockings that are made only of woven nylon.  The spandex in Pantyhose is what gives them their incredible stretch, allowing them to form fit to the leg and stop the bagging that so often occurs with fully fashioned nylons.

To give you a simple and clear definition of the difference between pantyhose and tights; pantyhose mostly have a denier up to 15, whilst tights have a higher denier.  To discover the technicalities of what “Denier” is, have a look at this definition. ( You may not care, in which case just read the number on the pack) But basically, it is the thickness of each thread used. And just as a matter of interest, the average human hair is 50 denier weight!

But you’ve asked, “why do my pantyhose fall down or sag at my ankles?”, “Why do they cut in at the waist?” And the answer to this is all in the sizing.  After reading so many of the responses to my investigation, I’ve discovered that available qualities and sizes of pantyhose differ between countries. Some of you even told me that until recently in the UK, Pantyhose only came in a One Size Fits All! So fret no more, here is how you get the right fit for your pantyhose.

Every pack of pantyhose should have a size guide on the reverse. They look something like this.

Depending on the brand and the country of origin, sizing could be letters, numbers or even names. Just like fashion labels, sizing has no real consistency, so you should ALWAYS check yourself against the information provided.

Basically, sizing goes by weight and height. You need to read the charts the same way you do with map references. Finding your correct weight and height, then finding the point where those rows intersect and what size that indicates.  Being a ‘tall’ in one brand, doesn’t necessarily mean you are considered a tall person.  For me, I wear ‘talls’ in most brands, but I am only 5 foot 4 inches in height. So don’t guess – measure.

Keep in mind that the sizing in pantyhose hasn’t really kept up with fashion, so someone who may be a tall or x-tall could still easily be an Australian sized 8-10. (Us 4-6) Confused yet?  What this means is that there is a whole new market for ‘plus-sized’ pantyhose, which most of the well known brands are now catering for.

In Australia, brands that carry plus sized  and maternity pantyhose include Ambra, Kolotex and Platinum amongst others. In fact, the big department stores now have entire sections devoted to plus sized pantyhose.  If you’re searching online though, the trick is all about having the right keywords in your searches.  Depending on your size there are three main terms used; Plus Sized, Queen Sized and Oversized.

It is clear to me by the sheer volume and range of pantyhose available on Australia shelves, that they certainly haven’t gone out of style here. In fact, the rise of stockings on our shelves tends to indicate that our interest is both growing and divergent.

History lessons aside, Pantyhose have never had the glamour or the sex appeal of a simple pair of stockings, so stay tuned next week for Part Two of this educational exploration, when we tackle ‘Stockings’.

I’m exceedingly excited about this upcoming weekend,because for the first time, the Love Vintage Fair is coming to Melbourne!

You’ve seen a few of my eye candy posts of the Sydney Fairs, but this will be the first time I can bring you the inside scoop from Melbourne.  Over three days you’ll be able to come and enjoy the offerings of over 60 dealers from all over Australia. Clothing, textiles, jewellery and all kinds of ephemera make up just some of the treasures on offer. But that’s not all!

There’s great prizes for the Best Dressed in Vintage; (- 1st Place will win a Classic Pinup Shoot valued at $600 sponsored by the talented Helen McLean Photography) Swing Dancing demos, and of course the most marvelous vintage fashion parade put together by Circa Vintage and yes I’ll be up there too wearing some incredibly beautful pieces.  The ladies from The Lindy Charm School for Girls will also be doing vintage hair & makeup demonstrations.

I’ve been flat out these last few weeks working on a secret project for the fair and can’t wait to show you the results. You’ll find me right next to Circa Vintage and the main stage, so please do come over and say hello! I have some complimentary tickets to give away too, so just leave me a comment on this post and I’ll draw the winners at random tomorrow evening so you can get your passes for the show.

All the details

Friday 27th May  5.30pm – 9.00pm      Saturday 28th May   9.30am – 5.30pm

Sunday 29th May   10am – 4.00pm

Exhibition Hall, Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, AscotVale

Tickets at the door – Adult $14, Pensioner $10, Child $5

More information on the Love Vintage Website.

This is the perfect opportunity to bring your mum, bring your nana or even bring your kids along for an education.  In fact, I’d love to see some children dressed up for the Best Dressed in Vintage this time, so break out the bloomers and let the little darlings loose!

Can’t wait to see you at the fair!