The other week I received my first pair of shoe clips.  I’ve tried my hand at (dodgy) DIY versions before as I loved the idea of these versatile accessories, but had never looked into finding some specifically built for the job. And let me tell you, this is a VERY exciting style moment! *Disclosure* – Yes, Emmersen sent me these as they thought I would love what they create and boy were they right!

Being a vintage collector I’ve seen my fair share of dress clips and fur clips, (not always still in matching pairs) but hadn’t seen anything new until I came across Emmersen. Exclusive and made by hand here in Australia, Emmersen is producing a stunning range of shoe clips along with matching gloves (yay!) and even limited edition pieces like their tulle bustle – also a brilliant style add on. So I spent quite a bit of time the other week browsing through the site trying to decide on two different styles of clips that best worked with my look and would be the most versatile.  The first of these you will have noticed in the previous outfit post – the stunning red AVA clips that I added to the back of my shoes.

Given that I was already plotting the myriad of ways I could wear these, the decision to choose the vintage diamonte ones ( On the Rocks – what a name!) was a foregone conclusion. I am imagining them on capes, collars, bags, hats, furs, hair slides…. and I’m sure I’ll come up with even more options as time goes on.

Anyway, when my little package arrived I was equally impressed by the beautiful boxed packaging. They’ve obviously thought about the type of women who will wear these and the best way to keep the pieces in tip top condition.  The box is a lovely heavy weight card with a matt laminate finish and a cello window so you can always see which pair you are looking for. The clips themselves are a quality french mechanism with tiny little barbs to stop them slipping or disappearing off your shoes.  I put my AVA clips through their paces on Thursday night and not once did I have to readjust or go looking for a rogue bow. The more I played with these the bigger fan I have become.

The Ava shoe clips that I wore on my black patent shoes in the last post. They are so lovely! The finish is satin and the backs are a super soft felt to that there is no danger of scratching and it also helps them grip a little better to the slippery patent leather.

The On The Rocks shoe clips in all their sparkly, swanky glory. I really, really love these but to be honest I’ll probably wear them more as dress clips or on hats as I want to see them all the time, and if I always wear them on my shoes I’ll likely trip for always looking at them!

I started experimenting with a few different ways of wearing these and decided to try them both out on one of my structured vintage bags, and the diamontes were just the thing to add night time glamour to my new vintage hat.

They clipped on very easily and didn’t damage, leave dints or holes in anything which is always a concern when you pin things in to vintage garments.  Here is a close up of how they work.

Each time I wear these differently in an outfit I’ll show you how I’ved used them and try and give you even more creative ideas, but this morning after pin curling my hair  and popping on the scarf to keep them warm, I had a brain wave.

Thanks to Emmersen I’m having my very own Aunty Mame moment!

I tried to put myself on a shopping ban, but who am I kidding?! With a new friend in town it is my duty to show her the lay of the land and suss out all the local op shops and my favorite vintage stores.  With a little bit of cash in our pockets and our eco-friendly carry bags, we set off to make a day of it and a number of gems have been found.

Lovely white woven and beaded handbag circa 1959-1960, made in Japan.

I adore the handle details on this one and it also fits a surprising amount of contents – even my small parasol! A brilliant find for $14 at my Salvo’s store.

I can’t believe you can still buy these! Little plastic rain bonnets that fit in your handbag and save the set from the elements. 3 for $1 at the same Salvo’s.  To be worn with red lipstick, dark glasses and a devil may care attitude.

I like to call these gloves Persian Blue as they remind me of the colour of the Persian kitten I once had.  A spur of the moment purchase at Circa Vintage Clothing as the perfectly matched the dress I was wearing even better than the short navy ones I came in with. Not at all possible to leave them behind.

This could quite possibly be my Holy Grail of patterns (we’ll know when I’ve made them). Also from the enviable collection at Circa Vintage Clothing.  I have loved coulottes for as long as I can remember but can never find a single pair that can hold a candle to the originals.  I had a pair I wore to death in the 1980′s, but even they weren’t as jazzy as these.  Now seeking a suitably fine wool tweed to sew these up.

It may be polyester, but it is also bloody fabulous! I simply COULD NOT go past this late 1960′s skirt suit.  Firstly the jacket called to me from the rack at Lost & Found Market in Smith Street, Fitzroy. But even though it was cute, it had no skirt so the impact just wasn’t the same.  I put it back on the rack and moved on.  Half and hour of browsing later and I uncovered it’s bottom half!  I will never understand why people seperate these things (unless it is to sell individually in the hope of making more money like these were), but I was so very glad that they could be put back together.  She has just come fresh out of the laundry and will be making a debut later this week. Sheild your eyes!

Last, but possibly most especially wonderful was this great find. A pair of ladies shoes from what appears to be the early 1960′s given the style and font used on the insole.  They are a perfect fit and only needed a little TLC to bring the leather back to life.  Finding vintage shoes in my size has never really worked for me, having only one other pair in my closet.  But these are just too cute as well as being practical and comfortable.

For $8, I think they have to win the title of Find of the Month!

I’ve been saving this special post for Easter and now you see why.

The outfit you saw yesterday was for a very special tea party held by One Day in Paradise to celebrate the launch of Australia’s first lolita print from the wonderful Vitae Clothing!  For those of you that don’t know them, Vitae Clothing are an Adelaide based lolita clothing brand.  Each piece is hand made with an eye for detail and quality; yet another reason they make it onto my ‘love list’.

So, back to the tea party.  After I was all frocked up I headed into the One Day in Paradise store where the party was held, to meet with some of Melbourne’s Loli girls and eat the best macaroons I’ve ever had.  As expected, it was a wonderland of pink frills, hearts, bows, lace and tiny hats. Yes, like a tea party in Wonderland, especially given what appeared to be the presence of a small chicken drinking my tea!

There was an awful lot of excitement at this particular party, as given that the Lolita scene in Australia is relatively small, the milestone of having a first, homegrown print is a pretty big deal.  The whole alternative fashion scene is a hotbed of creative talent and the Lolita scene is no exception.  What I find the most admirable about these creatives, is that they follow their passions becasue of just that. Passion.  They have a head full of dreams, ideas and beautiful pictures that they spend all their time finding ways to spread to the world.

Kelly Nicholas is the designer behind Vitae Clothing’s brand spanking new print is called “Usagi’s High Tea”. A bunny, chicken, duckling, strawberry scone covered delight.  It is a border print with little strawberries and love hearts across the body, and has tiny heart button details on the JSK version. Because all the Vitae Clothing is custom made by hand, the print comes in both the JSK style or in a skirt only which allows for more versatility. The only problem I had was deciding which one was the best choice for me!

Vitae Clothing has come together with One Day in Paradise who will be the sole retailer for the “Uasgi’s High Tea” print, and the lovely Marie is coordinating the flow of be-ribboned bunny goodness for all the Lolita loving girls.

Luckily, you don’t have to wait for this one as it is now available for order through the One Day in Paradise online store with all sizing, hair bow and colour way information available there.  The print comes in a Pink, Blue, White or Black colour way.  Guess which one I’ll be wearing? And because it’s Easter, Vitae Clothing and One Day in Paradise have given me ……

ONE WHOLE JSK dress to give away to you!!

This is an extra special competition as the winner will receive:

The exclusive “Usagi’s High Tea“ print JSK in the colour way of their choosing

Made to measure just for you and valued at $170!

How to enter:

Leave a comment on this post that tells me why you love One Day in Paradise, Vitae and Bunnies.

Make sure that your comment comes from a valid email address so we can contact you later!

The Winner:

Will be drawn by random number generator on Monday 12th April AEST

Terms & conditions:

You may only enter once for this giveaway.

By entering, you agree that your email will be supplied to One Day in Paradise and that you agree to be placed on their mailing list.

The prize is not redeemable for cash.

So what are you waiting for? Let me know just how much you love Usagi’s High Tea and a brand new dress could be all yours!

EDIT: ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED. The Results Will Be Drawn Soon!

There was a very special tea party to attend the other week. A tea party you’ll see and hear more about a little later, but first up its all about the outfit.

Lolita styles are not something I’ve really added to my wardrobe.  I love the colours, the frills, the prints; but I also know that for me they just don’t work head to toe.  So as usual, I’ve taken the elements of what I love about the style and worked it up to create something very ‘me’.

The whole outfit was so much fun to put together and so much fun to wear.  And the hair? Well that is the result of setting small pin curls for 24 hours then letting them go wild!

The skirt is by Japanese Gothic Lolita brand Body Line which I actually found here in Melbourne at the One Day in Paradise store.  I loved the pink and black striping as well as the cotton lace detail and tulle underskirt.  Apparently it can be worn with petticoats underneath too, but it had enough volume for me as is this time.  The print is all fruits and icecream with little flecks of glitter here and there too, as well as black satin ribon woven through the hem of the lace.

Where did it all come from? Surprisingly, other than the skirt, I already had all these other pieces in the wardrobe.  It just required a fresh set of eyes looking through the drawers to pull it all together.

Outfit Details

Pink Fascinator and Pink and black bow (minus the little tiara) - Hoplessly Devoted on Etsy

Mini Tiara hair clip (worn in fascinator) – Paragon Department store Bangkok

Black satin shirt – Cue Winter ’09

Skirt - Body Line

Red Opaques – Columbine

Shoes – “Japan” by Wittner

“Love” necklace – by Equip

Pink cake ring – Sweet & Co.

Lashes- Eylure at Priceline

Lipstick – ‘Strawberry’ Loreal Sheer Delice Gelee.

Outfit Details:

BOW – $2 Shop

Dress – Angel Sissi

Silver bat wing top – Tempt

Two tone fishnets – Columbine

Boots – Candy

Earrings – Equip

Total outfit cost – Less than $100.