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!

Today’s KILLER vintage find…. this awesome leopard print coat! Spotted by Miss 7 on a random Op Shop run and hastily garbing me. For the grand total of $15; Miss 7 was well entitled to a $5 finders fee!

I just right this minute discovered Hot Digital Dog and I’m squealing with so much excitement (as is Miss 6 beside me), that I had to show you these right now!

In one of those wonderful random moments of internet searches I came across the work of digital artist Cindy Jerrell. Hailing from the deep south of the USA, Cindy’s work is nothing short of fantastic in the truest sense of the word.  Using Photoshop to create her fine art, Cindy makes these wonderful ‘vintage’ animal portraits, not only from her own resources but as custom orders of your pets!  This may be the best gift I’ve ever come across for animals lovers, and even if you don’t have a pet of your own you want to immortalise, I’m already imagining filling a wall in my library with these beautiful prints.

Seriously, check out her work over at Hot Digital Dog and see if you can wipe the grin off your face!

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.

Every time I try and think of an opening line for this post, I come up with something really cheesy. “Capes are so hot right now” – too Paris. “The Cape Escape” – a movie reference that too many won’t get. “Crusading for Capes.” – Okay, maybe that one isn’t too bad… anyway what I wanted to talk about is how many stores I’ve seen stocking capes for this winter.

Let me differentiate here.  Capes are the ones that wrap around your shoulders in some manner and secure at the front. Ponchos, on the other hand, are the ones that have a head opening only.  The only kind of ponchos I do are the emergency rain variety; they just aren’t really my thing what with the hair and all.  Right, so back to the all important capes.

Before the trend for capes gets all pervasive and prices rise accordingly, I suggest taking a little stroll online and see what gems you can unearth. Upon inspecting the wares of a well known chain store here, I saw they had capes on offer that were 100% polyester, not very well cut and were asking $119 RRP.  And while that may service the mass demand, it certainly isn’t my choice.

Before you ask, no I don’t have any kind of deal with Etsy, I just like to shop vicariously for you there and hope they find new, appreciative homes.

Here is my pick of the current bunch..

Despite the arm-less red riding hood, I have to say that this red vintage cape is to die for! It’s velvet, it’s lined and it’s RED! It’s currently listed on Etsy for $64.99 USD.

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A short 1960′s purple velvet caplet that allows you to still show off a nipped in waist and keep a chill at bay.  I’m a bit keen on this one.  Currently listed on Etsy for $38.00 USD

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A truly divine Lilli Ann sophisticated mod style cape from the 1960′s.  I think this is just smashing – and perfect for making an impression without being over the top. Currently listed on Etsy for $118.00 USD

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Here’s a classic that I know many of you are on the look out for – a 1940′s Nurses Cape navy with red lining! Currently listed on Etsy for $78.00 USD I don’t think this one will last long!

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A soft and simple grey wool caplet. I love the simplicity of this as you could make it work for outfits of just about any decade. Put it with a matching skirt suit and you have a more 40′s look. With a mini dress and you’ve got 60′s. It it a fantastic canvas to put your personality into.  Currently listed on Etsy for $88.00 USD

So what do you think, can you pull off the trans-seasonal brilliance of a cape?