Do you ever have those dreams, those perfect dreams where you find yourself in a charity shop full of vintage couture that is all for sale for $1? Well I do. But for one woman, this dream pales in comparison to her reality.  Meet Charlotte Smith, custodian of the Darnell Collection and author of the new book Dreaming of Dior.  Charlotte inherited a collection of over 3000 pieces of vintage couture from her godmother a number of years ago. Not only was this a treasure trove of fashion, but of history, of women and of life. During her lifetime of collecting, Charlotte’s godmother Doris had painstakingly cataloged the stories of each garment as told to her by the original owners and their families.  Dreaming of Dior shares that story with you, inspiring you to create your own suitably attired narrative.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Charlotte and seeing pieces from the collection of various occasions; it is truly heart stopping. So before you sit down to savour this delicious gem (not greedily devour it as I did in my eagerness – I’m a notorious speed reader), take a little time to relax and enjoy a moment of fantasy as I talked with Charlotte about her dreams of Dior.

This is the very first Super Kawaii Mama Podcast – so feel free to listen, download and take it to enjoy on your weekend road trip.  Just click the link to listen.

Interview with Charlotte Smith Author of Dreaming of Dior for Super Kawaii Mama

How often do you get your knickers in a knot?

If I can go by the number of emails I receive on this topic, it is A LOT!

It seems that even with all the technology, fancy fabrics, multitude of designs and brands names at our disposal, we still can’t find the perfect pair of knickers. Well I’m tired of a drawer full of underwear I never wear, tired of them creeping where they don’t belong, leaving nasty red marks on my body, and VPL’s.  All those ones that promise no VPL’s only work for me because they disappear to where they aren’t meant too! Seriously, it can’t be that hard right?
Over the last few months, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect pair of everyday underwear.  I’m not looking for fancy, I’m not looking for overtly sexy, and I’m certainly not looking for something that will break the bank.  What I had in mind was something that hugged and supported my body nicely, and didn’t leave me tugging at them. Something I could just throw in the machine and know that wouldn’t kill them, and something that had a great retro vibe.
I do own a few pairs of some very fancy, high waisted vintage styled numbers; and while they are beautiful, their prices tags weren’t.  Yes, worth it for what they were, but certainly not something you’d fork out for ten pairs of just for every day.  I had a picture in my mind of pants that looked great with my vintage long line bras.  Something that covered my butt properly, and were cute enough to wander around in while getting dressed.

Then Bonds came out with a cracking ad campaign featuring Sarah Murdoch looking all 50’s glam. It wasn’t just her look that made my heart skip a beat, but what she was wearing! Was it my holy grail of undies? It was the Bonds Cottontail –revamped. Ohh, maybe this was it!

I raced out and promptly got myself a pair to try, and here are the pro’s and cons I came up with.

Pro’s: Good fabric composition, nice stretch, fabric memory, more “body” space.
Con’s: Not really high waisted enough for a full retro feel. The big wide branded elastic waist band – well, I’m not a fan.  I like a nice flat stretchy waist band, and I understand the trend, but putting this on women’s pants gave them a strong masculine vibe that was contrary to the whole retro, girly styling I was looking to achieve.
Okay, so they weren’t a total winner, so I decided to revert to the originals. I’d never worn Cottontails before, as they seemed to be marketed to a very different demographic, but what the hell – it was a quest right?

So I got my white cottontails home, irrationally excited by the prospect of trying out a pair of undies that have been Nana’s favorites for years. I held them up, marveling at their size – what the hell would the neighbours think seeing these on the washing line?? But you know what, I put them on and my doubts melted away. I was instantly transformed into a 1950’s saucy housewife type; a Betty Draper getting ready for a day with the kids.  There was nothing in the least revealing about them, but it was the way they looked like a pair of retro shorts that made it work.  The cut was high enough to reach my belly button (no hipsters for me), and the legs actually fitted under my butt, giving it a nice perkiness.  (Stop me if this is too much information).  In fact I was so pleased with the overall styling, that that evening, while watching T.V with the Mr., I decided to hang out in my underwear and sheer robe to see what kind of reaction they got. Let’s just say – A Big Thumbs Up!

So, all is going well, but being the perfectionist I am, I wanted to test how they would wear after a wash or two.  The original Cottontails are just that, Cotton. So the fabric memory wasn’t the best, and while they still fitted, they didn’t have quite the snap back I was looking for to keep a nice smooth silhouette.  But would that stop me in my tracks? No, I hopped onto the Bonds website and filled in a customer feedback form.  I don’t know about you, but when I send those things off I always imagine them ending up in a virtual trash bin and only an auto response ever being sent.  But kudos to Bonds, not only did they answer my email, they organized a phone conference with their development team to get my feedback!
The team was brilliant, filling me in on all the details of the whole Cottontails range.  I had no idea there were so many to choose from.  So we chatted about what it was I was searching for, the pro’s and con’s of those I had tried; and they decided to send me out samples of the whole range to trial.  I have to hand it to them, that is dedication to customer satisfaction and I was infinitely impressed.

Here is what I’ve learnt.  Cottontails were designed in 1955 and their design has not been altered since.  There are variations in stores with different finishes, lace trim and extra lycra, but essentially the pattern remains the same.  Bonds has kept with tradition (unlike so many other companies) and provided a product that is unchanged from the design that Nana wore as a little girl.  And while the technology may be shy of what I have come to expect from modern lingerie, you couldn’t get a more authentic piece of vintage underwear on regular supply if you tried!

So taking into consideration that Cottontails are made to fit a certain size range (I was in the smallest size) and reach a much older demographic than myself, I had to understand what was happening with each pair.  The pedantic scientist in me even made charts for comparison!
The results are this: For me there was one clear winner in the group.  It fitted my body shape, size and stood up to all the washing, the wear and tear and still looked Retro Sexy at the end of one months wear.  The Cottontail with Extra Lycra comes out on top.  It has a nice wide banded leg that fits under your butt in a way that means it will not disappear inconveniently. The waist is high for extra retro points, and it comes in basic colours with no fancy trim so it is easy to wash without fear of fading, tearing or losing some delicate piece.

Yes, I’ll still be forking out the big money for the special occasion pieces, but for a day to day, vintage underwear look I think I’ve found the best solution currently on the market.

That is until Bonds and I collaborate on the Candice DeVille Cottontail range! (have your people call my people)*wink*

Update: You can find the range of Cottontails with Lycra at Big W stores. Sizes 14 – 26, in Black, White and a light beige for $10.32. I went and checked personally today as it seems their marketing department is not interested in getting back to me.  If I find a US or UK supplier, I’ll let you know!

N.B: This post was in no way sponsored by Bonds.  They were kind enough to help me in my quest and give me full permission to reproduce their images here. Please do not use any of these images without their express permission.

find Esme here

Let me begin by saying that I have had the most delightful few days filled with lovely outings and lovely people, the most fun of which was getting to participate in this weekend’s session of The Lindy Charm School for Girls in Melbourne.

I met these Mistresses of Vintage Style at the Love Vintage Fair in Sydney earlier this year, and was delighted to learn that they would be bringing their workshop to Melbourne. You can read more about the School here in a previous post, but the simple story is that these lovely ladies travel Australia and New Zealand conducting short workshop on the foundations of your vintage look.  From undergarments to make up and hair, these ladies know their stuff, and with over 20 years combined experience, the take the pain and hard work out of starting your journey.

I was privileged to be able to assist them on the Saturday as  a hair model and had the most fantastic afternoon in the company of some of my favorite ladies – including a few incognito readers! I cannot recommend their course highly enough to ladies looking to find their vintage style.  You aren’t limited by past experience, skill, age or budget; The Lindy Charm School is making everyday glamour accessible for every lady looking to amp up style.    There have been lots of you asking about similar programs in the UK and the USA, but sadly I don’t have any to recommend at this stage. (If you do, please add it in the comments).  So for now you’ll have to make do, and just fly on over to Australia or New Zealand!  The Lindy Charm School Mistresses have big things in the works, and I’ll update you on all the upcoming workshops and happenings in the events section of the blog.

In the meantime, even if you couldn’t make it, apply your red lipstick, blow yourself a kiss and be fabulous!

Image Copyright Keith Glennan

With Rosemont Australian Fashion Week in full swing, it is easy to forget just what a luxury real fashion is.  And by real fashion I don’t mean your Made in China and attach a designer label to it. I mean genuine made to measure, chosen in a private salon, couture. As in the heyday of Dior, Chanel and Schiaparelli, fashion was shown to a select group of clients in a salon setting. Mannequins modelling the garments up close and personal for madame to make her choice and put in her orders for the season. You would be hard pressed these days to find a designer that presents their range in such a manner, and even less likely to be invited to one such event.  That is unless you can get yourself to Melbourne next week.

Australia’s  celebrated and genuine couturier Robert Fritzlaff, will be showcasing decades of his work in just such an environment. Organised by the National Trust and hosted at the stunning Como House Ballroom, you have to rare opportunity to become a lady (or gentleman) of leisure and take in the beauty of Robert’s collections first hand.  With garments spanning the 1960′s through to the early 1980′s, this is a once in a lifetime chance to see a collection of historical couture in its natural habitat.  Even if you have already seen the exhibition, you will be treated to a selection of pieces that have not yet been available to the public and some that have been created especially for the occasion. Of course I do have a vested interest in seeing you there as I will be modelling the garments for the show! So when I tell you they are works of art, I know what I’m saying. The morning includes the Salon Show, High Tea and an audience with the designer, Robert Fritzlaff.  Hosted at 11am on Thursday 7th May, you need to get in quick to secure your place. Tickets are strictly limited and will be available for this one show only. Learn More and Book Here.

Image copyright Jeff Paine www.photograjph.com

I know some of you will be very curious as I haven’t mentioned my modeling work here much yet, but besides all my writing, this is my other”real job”.

And although it is a work under construction, should you wish to hire me for any occasions, I can be found here.

What a weekend! As I ease myself into the week needing many hours more sleep and a boat load of coffee, I can tell you it was all worth it. On Friday I got up at the crack of dawn to pack my suitcase, set my hair and get ready to fly to Sydney for the opening of the Vintage Show that evening. It was the sixth such occasion the show has been held, and by all accounts keeps on getting better each time. With around 80 exhibitors it was entirely impossible to get around each one on the opening evening, but like a kid in a candy shop I tried my darnedest.

The crowd on Friday evening was filled with vintage enthusiasts serious about their passion and eagle eyed in their selections. It was at your own peril that you would lay down any item you considered purchasing to rummage in your bag, as before you know it, it would be snaffled in a heart beat. I went with a shopping list in mind, attempting to remedy a few gaps in my working wardrobe.  You wouldn’t be looking for serious high end vintage garments, (think Chanel, Dior) at the show, but I did spot some excellent buys in accessories from these houses. A lovely pair of creamy satin Dior evening shoes with rhinestone buckles AND the original box? $130 please. Not too shabby if you ask me. (Note, I didn’t actually buy these for myself even though they were my size. I uncharacteristically stuck to my list!)

The Friday night saw me laden down and footsore by closing time, but rather pleased with myself and anticipating another day of vintage bliss. When it came to heading back on Saturday to tackle the rest of the stalls, I chose more sensible attire (flat shoes) and carried a large bag for my swag.  It may sound all very consumerist and indulgent, but I confess that I didn’t even spend all the cash I brought with me, such is the beauty of vintage shopping. Day two of the show was filled with lectures, demonstrations and dances.  I took the opportunity to interview a few key participants (just wait till you meet Mistress Christine), and extol the benefits of selling online to others.  After all, I can’t tell you about all this and then not let you know where to find them! It was also a lovely surprise to meet so many readers as I wandered around. I often wonder who you all are, and now I have a few more faces to put to names.

So with a suitcase full of goodies, I’ve made it back home to now to wash, sort and catalogue all my finds. I even found some extra special somethings to add to the Mad Men Competition prize pack! I’ll show you all of these pretties in another post, but for today here is a look at some of the tasty offerings that are to be found at such a show. All in all, if you live in Australia and vintage is your thing, then you had better start making plans to head to Sydney for the next one in October.

Choice picks

From Here to Eternity - I picked up a couple of lovely dresses from this great seller.

20th Century Froxx – Soon to be opening an online store. Currently on Myspace and eBay. I was cursing my ribs for being too big to fit into a stunning vintage Valentino suit dress they had on offer.

Empire 47 – Flash website, stunning dresses and great photography.

Ra Ra Superstar – eBay store. I found some fabulous dresses from these girls. Beautiful quality, excellent prices.

Online Antiques – Huge range of just about everything collectible, vintage and antique.