26 February, 2010

A Vintage James Bond Husband


My hubby was, until recently, a vintage sceptic. My daily vintage outfit would usually be greeted with 'where did you get that??' (said in an incredulous tone) and 'how much did that cost?'. He still queries some of my fashion sense, saying the other day that my lovely pink 60's shift dress looked like 'something my Aunty Marge wore' (not exactly the look I was going for, but I take it as a compliment anyway!).

But I am happy to say he is no longer a sceptic (although he still questions some of my ouftits) thanks to his purchase of two vintage tuxedos from Nicole at Circa. My hubby wanted to buy one for his upcoming university graduation, but he liked them so much he bought two!


Hubby wears early 60's vintage tux, Circa Vintage, Fitroy
Vintage Suburbia wears navy and pink 50's dress, Ebay UK
My Little Moppet is also making herself seen!

It looks like he is not the only one, as ultra sharp, superbly tailored vintage-look mens suits featured prominently in the Hardy Amies Autumn/Winter Collection shown recently at the 2010 London Fashion Week. . .

Hardy Amies Collection 2010

I should note that it is difficult to find men's vintage suits in good condition - Circa has some lovely ones, and also Tracy at Fancy Pants/Frocks and Slacks in St Kilda. The tuxes we bought at Circa were only around $200 each, which my hubby and I thought was a complete bargain - the quality is amazing. The only thing I would note is that vintage sizing being what it is, if the suit does not quite fit in some areas, you may have to factor in quite a bit in alterations (as vintage suits are quite complex in structure). We recently paid about $100 to get a vintage suit altered, but as the suits are so reasonably priced and of such superior quality compared to contemporary versions, we didn't mind that at all.

When my hubby wore the suit to his graduation I told him he looked like James Bond - he was over the moon! So there you are ladies - convert your vintage-sceptic husbands (or partners/lovers!) by buying him a fabulous vintage tux!


21 February, 2010

1950's blue polished cotton frock

I bought this very cute blue 'atomic' polished cotton frock from the lovely Nicole at Circa in Fitroy (Melbourne) a few months ago. I had to shed a few pounds to fit into it properly (!) but my many hours of Body Jam (that's a dance aerobics workout for those not in 'the know!) and breathless laps of the 50 metre pool paid off. I am actually only a size 8-10 in 'normal' clothes, but as you will all know, that means nothing in the vintage world where clothes are tiny!


It is a very wearable dress - because it is cotton it breathes beautifully - perfect for a summer's day. I also love the colour - with my pale colouring and hint of red in my hair (which is not natural I should confess!) a deep blue is very flattering.

Dress: Circa Vintage, Gertrude St, Fitzroy $165 (in mint condition)
Gloves: Op shop/thrifted (Salvos Oakleigh I think) $3
Bag: Ebay $80 (lucite clasp)
Shoes: from Myer a few years ago, on sale for about $80 from memory (Myer has great shoe sales)(just be prepared for lousy service!)
Earrings: white vintage flower clip ons from Clara Fox Vintage, Brunswick St, Fitzroy (only $10!)

06 February, 2010

Another vintage favourite - Blue floral

It has been very unusual and unpredictable weather in Melbourne over the past week. It was quite hot and steamy on Thursday and I chose this lovely vintage blue floral dress that I bought a few years ago on Ebay from the US. I think US Ebay and US sellers on Etsy are absolutely fabulous.


Blue and white floral dress - Ebay USA (around $US 45 from memory)
White belt - thrifted
Parasol - Oroton, Glen Waverley (on special for $35)
White shoes - bought for my deb ball in 1989!


I have only really been able to wear it again this summer as I have almost finally lost all my 'baby weight' (!). I just have a few more stubborn kilos to go before I can fit into all my vintage clothes!

03 February, 2010

Battered and torn Vintage Penguins - Show them off!

I collect vintage Penguins and other old books. I particularly love the old orange and white Penguins . . .


I know that Penguin have released new versions of these classic orange and white books, but I love the 'real' vintage ones! The more battered around the better!


I usually pick these up from fetes and book fairs (the kind of ones run by Rotary/Lions Clubs etc). They are usually only 60c - $1. Even if I don't get around to reading them all (!) I love to look at them. Some of them have great designs and art work on the covers.

I also like the art work on the Penguin 'Modern Classics' which have a light green and white cover. Below is a great example from a collection of short stories from the great Ernest Hemingway.


I like to display my favourites on these book holders that I bought from Howards Storage World (there is one at Chadstone)(they are actually called Plate Holders, but they are also great for books). They come in various sizes and are not that expensive. There are very cheap plastic ones available but I prefer the wooden ones - as well as looking much nicer, the plastic ones are too flimsy for books.


I would love to see your collection of vintage books - please leave a comment if you have any photos you would like to show me or any rare finds you want to share!

Vintage Suburbia x