June Book

2012 - We're Living in the Future, Folks

2012-01-07T05:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

With the new year comes a new layout for your JuneBook!

I've been terribly slack as an Editor, and intend to take this opportunity to start afresh, and pay more of an homage to the original June Book (an old girls' annual I collect, that was around in the '60s to '80s).

Expect to see more regular features including outfit posts, questionable advice from the last century, fashion articles, eco beauty tips and more !

I hope you'll all enjoy the new adventures to be had in the coming year, happy reading!

The Editor

Ball

2011-08-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

It has been such a terribly long time since I've posted! I thought a good way to get back into semi-regular updating would be with photos of my recent school ball. I wore the same dress my Mother wore to her seventh form ball (which she bought vintage at the time), a little capelet she made me, and shoes from Peachy Keen. I really only went because a school ball is a rite of passage, and if I didn't go to at least one I would never have truly been a teenager. For me, the ball could have easily been re-classified as four hours of organised torture - as much as I love listening to blaring rap and mediocre popular music while locked in a hall with girls from school. On the bright side, the whole experience did wonders for bringing out my not-so-inner cynic, and allow my best friend and I to pretend we were in Ghost World for an extended length of time. About the time girls started taking off their heels (that's right, they went barefoot at a ball, you cannot even fathom my distress) and grinding we realised we desperately needed to get as far away form the dance floor as possible. This luckily resulted in the discovery of the tea table! Party animals, we are.

The photos below are from before the ball, the wonderful pre-ball a friend of mine organised, and the official photography at the ball itself.

No Dull Moments or Dull Men Tolerated

2011-04-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

It's finally school holidays! Which means that I will hopefully be able to post more, although I still have a mountain of homework to attend to. This is being carefully avoided by watching the first season of Mad Men. I really enjoy it so far, I daresay more for the costumes and set than the actual storyline. I do think it's good that there's a show that illustrates how advertisers manipulate people though, and how society is affected by the media. But Joan is the only character who really grabs me to be honest, and I tried to chanel her a little bit with this whole ensemble.

Wearing:

Dress - From a family friend (originally from Max)

Belt, Coat, Shoes - Borrowed from my Mother

Scarf - Made from a scrap of material

Bag - Second-hand Store

Gloves - Second hand store

It's all of a sudden gotten freezing cold, hooray for winter at last!

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

Nobody will ever have as much class as she did.

Rosie the Riveter - Superstud

2011-03-11T01:30:00.000-08:00

Today we had a slightly late celebration of International Women's Day at school, which involved some of us in the human rights group coming to school dressed as inspirational women, and other students guessing who we were. It was very last minute (i.e. I found out yesterday), luckily though I just happened to have a blue jumpsuit and red and white scarf lying around home begging to be worn. I found the jumpsuit in an op-shop which is mainly filled with overpriced chainstore clothing from the '80s, and had a small heart attack, realising immediately that there was a giant 40s-style-blue-jumpsuit hole in my wardrobe, and my heart, which needed to be filled. On trying it on I found it fit perfectly, except for the fact it was roughly 4 inches too short, creating a disturbingly 'disco' effect (Images of Sam's 'Parisian night suit' came flooding). In an observant mood for once though, my friend pointed out it had in fact been taken up a great deal, and thanks to the magic of my Mother's sewing skills it is now a perfect fit. I debated briefly how often I would in fact be able to wear a disco-infused-women-working-on-the-planes-all-in-one-number, and the answer was - as often as possible. No more than a week later was the perfect opposrtunity.As you can (hopefully) tell, I went as Rosie the Riveter -

-never once have I doubted the general knowledge of my 'peers' more. A few girls got that I was 'the woman on that poster', and a number thought I was Amelia Earhart. Although, this is quite good considering that someone at school once thought that Princess Diana was alive and living in Hamilton. Most of them just sort of looked me up and down in disbelief (my friends and some teachers did appreciate the ensemble though). I'm used to getting funny looks for what I wear to school normally (I'm going to do a post about some of those outfits soon), but today's were golden. Weird stares sort of make my day. Not as much as the lovely women who leaned out of their cars, and told me how much they loved what I was wearing while I was walking home from school though.

These photos were all taken at about 8 this morning, just before I left for school, hence the not really awake expressions. Also, please excuse the tiny bit of hair not tucked into my scarf, which I didn't notice until after I'd left.
Jumpsuit - Secondhand store
Shoes - Vintage market
Suitcase - Secondhand store (although I've had it since I was little)
Scarf - Borrowed (it's actually rather small, so my hair is in pincurls in an attempt to make it as flat as possible)

Finally, some pictures from this amazing set, of real women who worked on the planes:

The Curve of Forgotten Things

2011-02-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

<p>&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;Wow</p>

Wow. This is gorgeous - the filming, the clothes (of course, it's Rodarte), the house, the music, the wonderful'70s feel to it all. And Elle Fanning. I especially love the plaid outfit she first magically changes into, and also the beautiful blue and white dress.

La Valse d'Amélie

2011-02-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

The Peculiar Behaviour of Lady Perdita

2011-02-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

I covered all my school books with pictures from National Geographics (from the '50s and '70s). Just because I could. Also it's now far easier to imagine being somewhere else. School is always so much more exciting in old girls' annuals, the title of this post is in fact a story from 'The Bumper Book for Girls 1956' - why do we never have to solve intriguing mysteries involving a new girl from an exotic country? Today the most interesting thing that happened was my maths teacher comparing calculus to little rabbits with floppy ears that scamper away when you try to cuddle them.

Also school-related : A homemade school bag and pencil case

Goodbye Wilma

2011-02-01T00:31:00.000-08:00

It was sunny again for the first time in what seems forever today - the cyclone we were in finally passed. Except now it feels like the beginnning of summer again when the reality is we start back at school next week. Just the thought of doing productive things with my time (if you can count school work as productive) has made me want to blog more. Third post of the night.Second hour successfully wasted looking at pretty pictures on the internet. Woot!

Today I Painted My Nails Bright Green

2011-01-31T22:31:00.000-08:00

Rare Marilyn Monroe Photographs

2011-01-31T22:26:00.000-08:00

From 'Rare Marilyn Monroe Sunday' at Retrogasm. I love Sundays.

Meet You at the Diner for a Malt

2011-01-26T03:31:00.000-08:00

My sister is so cute. We went out for a (soy) milk-shake together the other day, and then played knuckle-bones and read 'The Babysitter's Club' books in the park. When she's not being insanely annoying and trying to drown out my Elliott Smith with Katy Perry (her music taste will improve one day, my Mother assures me) we can get along pretty well.

Holiday Time Fashions - Touring Holidays

2011-01-26T02:43:00.000-08:00

The last of my 'Holiday Time Fashions' set - accompanied by photos from my family's own touring holiday. We took a day trip while in Northland up to Cape Reinga, which is the very top of the country, and utterly spectacular. The huge numbers of tourists irritated me a little - mainly because I think playing music off your cell phone is a little disrespectful at a place believed to be the 'launching place' of spirits into the next world,and where two oceans collide, but hey, that's just me. So a bit of etiquette advice to go with the following fashion tips - be respectful. Don't run in the art gallery or spit at the statues. Although I'm sure none of you lovely readers would ever think of doing such things :) Without further ado - the 'Touring Holiday'!

This is an opportunity for wearing lots of pretty two-pieces and smart, citified cottons. Go in for fabrics with crease-resistant finishes to avoid lots of pressing when you arrive.

Take two skirts, one straight, the other pleated, and several cool shirts and tops.

Trousers are all right for loafing around, but choose your tops cleverly so that the effect is neat and crisp.

You'll need walking shoes and sandals and a pair of smart shoes with little heels.

Towelling for the Beach

2011-01-26T00:04:00.000-08:00

It's bright and exciting . . . it's a must for your summer wardrobe!

Terry Towelling has been with us for years but never in such a wide range of fashionable colours and contemporary patterns. Ideal for the beach because it is so absorbent, easy to wash, and doesn't crush or fade, towelling is all the rage overseas. Large reversible and striped beach sheets are not only a smart accessory for your beach wardrobe, but also make wonderful wrap-arounds for wet costumes. Available by the yard, and ranging in price from 15 to 30 shillings a yard, towelling is the answer for the home dressmaker. The styles shown on these pages were designed by Anthony Horderns to give you an idea of just what can be done with towelling. They are simple, practical, and easy to copy.

*Text and pictures derived from an article in 'PIX' magazine, from January 19, 1957

I can completely testify to the wonders of Terry Towelling, which I've always had a bit of a soft spot for. I've spent a lot of time this summer in the towelling wrap around below (although that photo was taken in my backyard), which I gto from Peachy Keen last year for my birthday. It's completely and utterly perfect. Sorry for my complete absence lately, I turned 16 and have spent a lot of time sleeping since. I have a whole lot of posts coming up though!

Summer Polaroids - Beach

2011-01-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

Aloe Blacc/Sam Cooke

2011-01-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

Just sayin'.

Why why why is the Aloe Blacc gig R18? Not being able to go to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis or Michael Franti was bad enough. Sob.

But You're Not Even Wearing Any Loafers

2011-01-16T03:03:00.000-08:00

I just watched 'A Single Man'. I'm in that lull after an amazing movie or book where I'm still taking it in, and can't quite put into words how much I loved it. Instead I sort of look around the room imagining that it's a moment of poignancy, and seeing things in slow motion to a soundtrack in my head. Another post will be coming soon when I have regained the use of language and lost the expression of awe (Actualy I can't count on the fact that that will ever fade). But for now I can comment on the Brigitte Bardot-esque eye make-up of the film though. So smooth and perfectly defined. Beautiful. I wish I could apply eye-liner, alas it is not a talent I show any signs of possessing, and because my eye-brows are basically albino too much eye make-up can look a bit odd on me. Saying that, I do feel a small obsession brewing and a liquid eye liner purchase approaching. Ha, I don't think I've ever had a small obsession actually - I tend to wholeheartedly get behind things, which is why I have a whole drawer full of vintage aprons (and more hanging up in my closet).

Summer Polaroids - Blackberry Picking

2011-01-14T04:40:00.000-08:00

Subtle.

Summer Polaroids - The Swimming Hole

2011-01-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Photos from our trip up north - I didn't take any of them, but I did put them through the polaroid machine, which is exciting every time! We stayed with my Aunty, Uncle, and cousins at their house in Ahipara, which is right at the bottom of 90-mile beach, and pretended to be country children for a week.

Hit Me With a Flower

2011-01-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

These photos are from a wee while ago - the first time I wore my petticoat! I love it so much. I've wanted one since forever, but the ones I found were always too expensive. This one was only $30 at a sweet little second-hand fair in a scout hall, a bargain! It's first outing was to my Gran's house (she's in the picture below) for lunch and playing in the sunshine with my little brother(also pictured). My Mum made both his adorable romper and my skirt! I then went to a tea party in the richest neighbourhood I have ever been in, at a friends Grandparents' house. There were beautiful tea-cups, a view of the sea, and vegan cupcakes. I adore tea-parties. Afterwards though I had to catch a bus from the north shore, which shouldn't have been hard, but our public transport system is about as functional as an ab-circle pro. I was at the bus-stop for more than half an hour waiting awkwardly, surrounded by huge houses. Extravagant displays of wealth make me a little uncomfortable, as do packs of rich women in jogging clothes. It was a welcome relief to go to the end-of-year volunteer gathering at the Greenpeace office- one of the places where I feel most at home. The vibes were definately better. Lastly I went to a suprise birthday dinner for a friend, so this certainly proved to be a versatile outfit! I'm actually amazed that I remembered all that considering how long ago it feels. I can't believe it's the middle of summer already!

Knitted Top- Op-shop Skirt-Homemade Petticoat -Secondhand fair Shoes - Etsy Necklace - Vintage store in Austalia Sunglasses - Used to be my Mother's

Swimsuit!

2011-01-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

This just came in the mail as an early birthday present from my family. OH MY GOODNESS. It's beautiful.And also possibly the brightest thing I own. I want to crochet a matching one for one of my old barbies, then go out postering feminist and anti-corporation posters everywhere. Just to revel in the irony.

This Train Goes to Nowhere

2011-01-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

This was my outfit on Christmas day - a little blue and white '60s two piece from Peachy Keen Vintage. I went away for a week that evening (hence the suitcase) and am off again up north for another week tomorrow, so posts shall be sparse for awhile longer!
The title of this post is from a song by The Electric Confectionnaires. I wish that we were going on holiday by train, as much fun as a long car journey with younger siblings sounds. The combination of seeing too many trains in movie scenes but not going on them very much in reality makes them seem dreadfully exciting, and I always expect to have profound philosophical revelations on them. My best friend and I did a SCUBA diving course just before Christmas and there was so much suspense while we waited for the train each morning and afternoon. I think we were both waiting for Narnia to appear, or the birds to start attacking, or something. All we got was an old lady (in roughly her 70s) with violently fire-truck red hair and a leopard print shirt who walked past. Which was pretty darned exciting nonethless, but not exactly life-changing.

I'm not really one for New Years resolutions, but I did have a look back and realise how boring I am in all my outfit photos, so I have decided to take inspiration from all the '60s knitting patterns on my wall, like these (which are all from le internet as I am too lazy to scan my ones, click each for source):

The results -

I look a little like an enlightened meerkat, but that's okay - we all have to start somewhere, right?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, I do have a whole folder filled with Debbie Reynolds pictures for every occassion. Have a great 2011! (Although 1953 looks as though it would have been pretty swell as well) x

I Have Problems Communicating With the Establishment

2010-12-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

Gloves Gloves Gloves

2010-12-19T13:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, I've been really going for gold with the innovative titles recently huh. These photos are from a while ago, when I went to see Harry Potter 7 (something I was way too excited about) and do a spot of record shopping . I got Best Coast, Belle and Sebastian, CSS and The Kinks - it was actually the first time I've bought new records (although the Kinks - Give the People What They Want, is an old one), and I love them so much. Even though they're modern music there's still something so much more charming about hearing them on record, it makes them more real, and the music more tangible in a way. Anyway, the real excitement of this post is that I found gloves that fit! They were only $2 dollars and fit perfectly. I've been searching forever for some gloves that have long enough fingers.

Hmm.On reflection of these photos, my hair wasn't really coping with the wind and humidity as well as I thought it was. I need stronger hairspray. I've been trying to use ones that are made in New Zealand by companies that don't test on animals, but I shall have to keep searching.

Gloves - Secondhand store
Dress - Secondhand store (shortened by my lovely Mother)
Shoes - Vulcan Lane vintage market
Purse - Secondhand store
Sunglasses - Used to be my Mums

I Love Debbie Reynolds

2010-12-17T01:03:00.000-08:00

Photo above is from this amazing tumblr

Holiday Time Fashions - Seaside Holidays

2010-12-01T00:08:00.000-08:00

To the Seaside!
Ideally, you'll need two swimsuits - one for swimming and one for sun-bathing. Don't bother to take sun-oil with you, the kind you find abroad is excellent and cheap.

Also, take a look at this old post about retro swimsuits.

Take a four-piece beach set :

Remember that most continental resorts object to tourists wandering about their streets in brief swimsuits, so take some sort of beach wrap or shift dress to slip over your swimsuit from hotel to beach.

Buy a sun-hat when you're there - they're much prettier on the continent.

You probably won't find it necessary to wear evening dress for dinner in the evening, but you should change into a light dress, so pack two or three. Everything dries very quickly in hot climates, so take two changes of cotton undies. Try to avoid taking stiff, frilly petticoats; they are very hot and prickly and take up far too much room.

Nobody seems to wear stockings on continental seaside holidays but I should take a pair just in case! One pair of sandals should be enough and you'll find that these are very cheap abroad. Take a pair of little flat pumps or court shoes to wear with dresses.

Try to avoid wearing cardigans in the evenings - they stamp you as an English tourist right away! If you do feel chilly, throw your cardigan around your shoulders or get a stole to match your dress

And to truly complete your beach wardrobe, how to make a poncho and beach bag (from 'Smart Girl' 1964) :

Movember III

2010-11-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

The World Is Lazy, But You and Me We're Just Crazy

2010-11-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

Holiday Time Fashions - Roughing It Holidays

2010-11-29T03:43:00.000-08:00

As it is now school holidays I figured a post on holiday fashions was in order - the following has been adapted from 'Smart Girl' 1964, a Scottish girls' annual. This first installment is about 'Roughing It Holidays'.

It's the thing now to be as different as you can when it comes to holidays. I know people who've been ski-ing on Scotland, hiking, pot-holing, Youth Hostelling, climbing, ponytrekking and I even ran across a very earnest type who went on an archaeological dig!
Listening to all the wonderful tales about holidays, I realised just how important the right clothes are - you can't scale Ben Nevis, for instance, in a flower-sprigged cotton dress! So let's take it from the top :

Everything must be highly packable; it must squeeze into the smallest knapsack or a single suitcase. Trousers of some sort are absolutely neccessary - blue jeans are ideal. Start off in the jeans, a shirt and serviceable jacket, anorak or windcheater, thick-soled walking shoes; pack or wear a thick sweater.

Take head-scarves and head-bands (the latter will keep you looking pretty in the evenings). Take quick-drying nylon underwear or cotton if you're going to a hot climate, and a pair of fold-up ballerina pumps.

You may need a dress for evenings (anyway, it's nice to be feminine sometimes!) so choose a simple style in one of the man-made fabrics, which will not crease inbearably. Allow for minimum make-up but take a tube of cold cream - nature really does take it out of the skin!

And you'll need stout socks inside those walking shoes. In hot weather you'll find walking in shorts much cooler so squeeze in a pair.

With these essentials you'll be set to enjoy a roughing it holiday!

(click on each picture for source)

Movember II

2010-11-29T03:11:00.000-08:00

An homage to some famous moustaches on the second-to-last day of Movember - the above picture is from here (one of the most rad blogs ever) and the first two below are from a fabulous blog post about none other than the humble moustache over at the selvedge yard (also one of the most rad blogs ever).

Oh and of course -

Growing Glorious Roses

2010-11-25T02:59:00.000-08:00

I went the botanic gardens the other day (I love walking around old rose gardens) and it reminded me of how many articles about roses there are in the old girls' annuals I collect (including June Book, which the above picture is from). I think that says a lot about the times - there are interviews with celebrities and fashion tips, but also craft projects and articles about rose growing. I wish that modern magazines aimed at young girls had things like that, but can you imagine what a 10 year old now would think about growing their own herb garden?! Another thing about old annuals is that they had no ads. Imagine that! Turning a page without having air-brushed consumerism being shoved in your face! I really think we've lost a lot of values in recent times, and I find it quite saddening. Anyway, below is the outfit I wore around the gardens (under the scarf are my pincurls which were setting for that evening), and also some of the old rose articles - including one about cactus growing!

Movember

2010-11-24T22:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if they have this in other countries, but in New Zealand november doesn't exist - we have Movember instead, which raises awareness of prostate cancer. Thousands of men across the country are sponsored for embracing the fine art of moustache growing (becoming 'mo bros') and the proceeds go towards prostate cancer funds. I intended to celebrate Movember with a moustache post each week, however exams then proceeded to eat my life and here we are with malls already putting up christmas decorations. So, for the last few days of Movember I shall be displaying my large collection of '70s knitting patterns modelled by moustache clad gents in daily blog posts. Because nothing is more amusing than a quality '70s moustache. Happy Movember!

It takes a special kind of man to model matching knitwear.

Swotting

2010-10-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hello again dear Chums!
Also in my Great Grandmothers album I found some lovely photos of her and friends (including future husband, Dick) 'swotting up' in 1939 - they are shown below with original captions. I'm afraid this blog may become a little desolate over the next few week as I also 'hit the books' (although not nearly as elegantly, I shouldn't think). It seems as though we only just finished our practise exams and now the real things are right around the corner! Anyway, I have a few things lined up which I will post sporadically in the coming month,
Until then, toodle-oo!

Nan Alva Trix - Nov 1930

Alva and Dick

Alva swotting for 'C' - Nov 1939

Blog Award

2010-10-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

One Lovely Blog Award!

The wonderful Annie from Annie Pancake and the Time Machine has given me this 'Lovely Blog' award - thank you so much! I love reading your blog as well :)
The conditions of the award are :

1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog along with the name of the person who awarded it along with a link to their blog.

2. Pay it forward to 15 other bloggers that you have recently discovered.

3. Contact those bloggers and let them know they've been chosen.

So, here are the 15 bloggers I pass this award on to -

Halloween !

2010-10-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

Dick 1927 - Masterton


Betty as a Daffodil, Alva as a Daisy

A few dressing up idea's from my Great-Grandmother Alva's photo album - Dick was her husband (my Great-Grandfather) and Betty her cousin. They probably weren't cotumes for halloween as it wouldn't have been celebrated here in the '20s, but they are darling nonetheless! October 31st is approaching and while personally I'm not much of a trick or treater, I am going to a local halloween gig - we'll be having a ball like the 'Campers at Creepy Castle', except in costume. I haven't the faintest what to go as, so any ideas would be much appreciated!

Happy Tuesday! - The Editor

Overdressed for Pak'N'Save

2010-10-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Shoes:Vintage(Etsy), Dress:Garage Sale, Cardigan:My Mother's

I wore this while accompanying my Mother to le supermarché yesterday, with more layers than originally intended due to the sudden cold snap (some excuse for spring this is!) . I usually find that I’m overdressed most places I go, but especially for Pak’N’Save, where people are frequently seen in nightwear. Not just pajamas either, the whole shabang – slippers, dressing gown and all. No matter what the time of day. At least my set of curls came out well – the night before I had them up when my friend and I waitressed for a family friends' vampire themed party. This is also the dress I wore to a circus themed party (I have been to so many themed parties lately it isn't funny), although with more accessories.

The last two photos were taken by my Aunt - I was doing door greetings at the party with a heavy russian accent at the time.
Dress:Peachy Keen Vintage, Shawl: Borrowed

Giveaway

2010-09-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

Over at Annie Pancake and the Time Machine there is a fabulous hair flower giveaway running! It ends soon, so enter quickly. She has the sweetest blog and it's well worth a good read !

At the Circus - Inspiration

2010-09-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

Going to a circus themed party tomorrow night! I have a red flapper-style dress and peacock feathers to construct an outfit out of - I'm going to go for the peacock tamer look I think (such viscious birds they are! )or perhaps the casual elephant rider? Apart from these darling photos, I've been drawing inspiration from (strangely) a Christina Aguliera music video.

Although, I daresay it's better with the sound off. I recommend listening to this as you watch :

Hopefully I'll be able to take photos of what I wear before I go. Also, exams are over now - yay! Hence the fact that I have a life again :)

Paws!

2010-09-14T01:02:00.000-07:00

Aaah! Too many exams. Let's just pause to look at cute cat photos and admire that cunning pun I did with the title there .

Photos (in order) from here , here , here , here and here.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand

2010-09-14T00:54:00.000-07:00

Life-saving drill, probably on unidentified Taranaki beach

Photographed circa 1920s-1930s, by John R Wall of Stratford. Location unidentified, probably a Taranaki beach.

These photos and their captions are all from the National Library of New Zealand on Flickr (my comments are below in italics, though). Weren't the surf lifesavers fine!

Dominion life-saving championships, Lyall Bay, Wellington. 1950

A women's team carrying equipment at the Dominion lifesaving championships at Lyall Bay, Wellington.
I'm loving the blazer and short shorts combo of that judge. Very dapper.

Dominion lifesaving championships, Lyall Bay, Wellington. 1950

A team is being inspected at the Dominion lifesaving championships at Lyall Bay in Wellington

Dominion lifesaving championships, Lyall Bay, Wellington. 1950

Two men paddle in on surfboards at the Dominion lifesaving championships at Lyall Bay in Wellington

A cup winning lifesaving team with their coach. 1911

Shows a cup winning team with their coach, 1911, probably in the Christchurch area.

"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things: of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings, and why the sea is boiling hot, and whether pigs have wings." Their couch is that walrus.

Group of girls practicing a life-saving technique. ca 1910s

An unidentified group of girls practising life-saving. They are standing in two rows in pairs (facing each other) outdoors on a grassy area in front of a wooden building. The life-saving instructor is standing on the right. All are dressed in bathing suits, some with bathing caps.

I think this might be my favourite picture of the whole bunch. I can't imagine what exactly they were practising when this photo was taken, but their bathing suits are fantastic.

Studying is Fun

2010-09-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

Not a Peace Sign nor Trout Pout in Sight

2010-09-07T03:14:00.000-07:00

Photos from here, here, here, here, and here

Half Days and Op-Shoppin'

2010-08-25T01:53:00.000-07:00

Half-days are god sends. Thank you teachers for needing a whole afternoon to decide whether or not you are going to strike. Truly, op-shopping with my Mum all afternoon was a 100 times better than maths and physics. We went to all the lovely little red-cross and salvation army stores that are still run by little old women, are super crowded and not ridiculously overpriced, my favourite kinds.

The fabulous '70s tv dinner tray and table cloth are actually from my workmate, but the fantastic thermos, cup and saucer and 16 (16!) Stitchcraft magazines are all part of this afternoons treasures. I also got a blue wool skirt, red and green scarf, two sixties night-dresses, an old Goosebumps video, and a whole bunch of old knitting patterns.

Spring is Approaching

2010-08-20T22:35:00.000-07:00

Polly Put the Kettle On

2010-08-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

I adore Kitty, Daisy and Lewis, I adore tea, and I adore saturday afternoons even more. I think weekends need to come around more often.

I realised this week that one of my legs is slightly longer than the other. People looked at me a little funny when I yelled this out in the middle of class - understandable, it's a little unsettling I will admit. But it's also quite exciting that perhaps there's an actual reason why I casually fall over all the time. I am hoping the other leg will grow soon though. Preferably before I start swing dance classes in a few weeks - uncoordination could prove rather hazardous.

Vest, Cardigan and Bag- Secondhand
Shorts - Homemade by my Mother
Shoes - from Tinyspace

Fashion Films

2010-08-18T02:41:00.000-07:00

A fashion film from the '20s and one from 2010. The newer was the deserving winner (chosen by Tavi) of the 'A Shaded View on Fashion' fashion film contest, I love all the models hair - and the perfect white dresses! Such a beautiful contrast is created between the stifling school house type building and the woods. Also, I now desperately need a matching felt hat and bag !

Houses

2010-08-05T01:33:00.000-07:00

Just a few fabulous house pictures I've been hoarding for some time. The third one down reminds me of the fantastic movie The Ice Storm, which I saw the other evening. Everything's very intense at school right now, with exams coming up, but not as intense as this blog will be when it gets hit with '70s home decor post I have planned. I have a small obsession with things like matching crochet coasters, so understandably I enjoy (perhaps too much) reading home improvement magazines from yesteryear. Modern neutrals just don't do it for me, I'm afraid.

Coeur de Pirate & Julien Doré - Pour un infidèle

2010-07-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

Little bit of music to brighten up a tuesday, I recently discovered Coeur de Pirate and she has the sweeteset voice (Although I can only understand half of what she's saying).

Tea Party and Oil Spills

2010-07-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

On saturday my friends Madison and Taylor (mentioned in this post) held a fabulous birthday tea party. I've wanted to go to a proper 'civilised' party, with everyone dressed up nicely, records playing, and friendly chit-chat for so long (not that I don't love other 16ths)and this hit the spot perfectly. They're just the most wonderful gals, and making their presents was such fun too. Below are the cards I gave them, and further down are parts of their presents (I didn't take the photos from the afternoon, so sorry about the quality!). My Mum was more than a little confused seeing me wrap up kitten aprons and Jane Fonda workout records, topped off with bad '80s granny square patterns - they were pleased though.

Look at those type writer skills! I have such respect for the secretaries of yesteryear, and the finger strength they must have had

Twins in aprons made by my wonderful Mother (kittens and rampaging rhinos respectively) it was uncanny how perfectly they happened to match their outfits

Their roof decorations were so fabulous they had to be shared!

On a slightly different note, the next day (Sunday) I was part of a Greenpeace protest against oil exploration/drilling off NZ's beautiful coast - you can sort of see me behind and to the left in this photo. Moral of the story - our governments being extremely silly at the moment and hairspray from the day before + molasses is not the best hair combo. More about it here.

Washington, 1942

2010-07-26T03:33:00.000-07:00

I first discovered the Library of Congress colour photo sets from the 1930s-1940s way back when, on the blogs that inspired me to start my own. They're all so amazing, especially as colour photos of everyday life in that era (in particular the photos of rural america during the depression)are not often seen. This little set is one of my favourites.

Winter Sunshine

2010-07-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

Spent a lovely day walking around the Auckland Winter Gardens, enjoying some sunshine for the first time in awhile. Although I daresay I’m always a little suspicious of sunny winter days – they’re very sneaky if you know what I mean. You get tricked into thinking it’s summer (or something like it) but then as soon as you stop moving all your extremities immediately go numb.

As you can see, there has been some minor hair cutting/blog redesigning going on. I'm hoping this will allow for easier curling and larger pictures respectively.

Last day of the school holidays, wearing whatever takes my fancy, and spending hours listening to music and crocheting tomorrow. Sigh.Although this will probably mean some more frequent posts as I will be back to doing my best at ignoring all forms of homework once again. Expect some '70s home decor posts soon!

Shoes- Vintage (from Tinyspace)

Skirt- Secondhand (op-shop)

Blouse- Secondhand (op-shop)

Cardigan- Secondhand (op-shop)

Hat- Secondhand

Necklace/Badges- Seondhand (op-shops)

Delightful '50s Kodachromes

2010-07-08T03:48:00.000-07:00

Now some very un-wintery photos. These are truly fantastic, the colours are amazing. From Elliot-B.

Grace Kelly

2010-07-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

Just a bit of midwinter inspiration from Grace Kelly- the epitomy of sophistication and elegance.

Louis and Grace- only two of my favourite people!

Family Fashion - '50s/'60s Texas

2010-07-07T03:27:00.000-07:00

I love finding old family photosets that people put up on flickr - aren't these sweet? They're from late '50s/early '60s Texas. I especially love the swimsuits.
I can't remember the user they're from (oops), so if anyone knows please tell me!

Train Rides and Love Hearts

2010-07-06T02:38:00.000-07:00

Went out to Devonport today accompanied by my Mother, siblings, cousins, and babysitting charge. Windy and cold - but worth it to go to the op-shop, English sweet shop, and see all the lovely old houses by the waterfront. I spent the train and ferry rides there and back trying not to let my hat blow away, stealing all my sisters 'Loveheart' lollies, and admiring my beautiful wind-swept, sea-sprayed hair in all it's glory.

Hat -Once belonged to a family member
Shoes - Secondhand
Dress- Homemade by my Mother
Coat- From Texas Radio and the Big Beat

The '30s in VOGUE - Part 1

2010-06-27T03:01:00.000-07:00

Vogue embraces the flying craze on a cover, 1937

So the other day I decided that maybe I would actually study with my study period at school, but I unfortunately happened to sit down right next to a shelve of books on Vogue in the library. So goodbye French homework.The two that I brought home to (probably illegally) scan so I can pour over the pictures for ever and ever are truly amazing. I have to say I've never really thought of Vogue as having so much more than fashion in it, but the politics, art, and of course social gossip it's full of provide a fascinating look into the times. I won't post any of the text, but here are a few of my (agonisingly selected) favourite images.

Advertisement for World Peaceways 1937

'Mme Corniglion copes with the transport of her car across one of the tributaries of the Niger' 1931

Vogue cover by Salvador Dali, 1939

'I dream about an evening dress' - Painting by Dali for Vogue, 1937

'Lady Louis Montbatten, wife of a cousin of the King, and a chic leader of London society, 1932'

'The 13-year old Princess Elizabeth visits the London Zoo, 1939' - (Speaking of the royal family, there is a fabulous giveaway of 1953 coronation souvenirs on Yesterday Girl)

Many more pictures are coming!

Retro Pez Adverts

2010-06-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

A certain (jazz-loving-miumiu-foot-drawing-more-rad-than-a-'90s-sitcom) friend of mine and I have a dream to one day own a Pez collection so amazing it rivals Tavi's. The only problem is they don't seem to actually sell Pez in New Zealand anymore. That really is a minor setback though.

(pictures from here)

1920s

2010-06-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

These are all from this fabulous tumblr, which is filled with the most amazing old photos. The '20s really were the cats meow!

VOGUE Knitting Book

2010-06-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

'What's new in VOGUE KNIT?
Wool inspired by fashion!
Fashion translated into wool.
With Vogue's own flair and Vogue's own crystal-clear instructions!
Fashion moves fast but Vogue moves faster than a ferret to bring you the Vogue Knit Series, incomparable easy-to-follow designs of all that's best and most exciting in woollies today.'

My darling Mother found this knitting book for me in an op-shop the other day, it doesn't have an exact date on it but I'm guessing it's from the early '60s. It's filled with terribly elegant and well-cut patterns, simple yet beautiful in design. The above photo is perhaps my favourite out of the whole book, her glasses and delicate curls finish the look off perfectly.

'A city-wise suit with fashion in every line of it. The jacket, gently shaped to an unemphasised waistline, has two breast pockets at Empire level. The skirt is slim, back pleated for easy walking.'

'Lovely boucle wool dress for an elegant woman and two colour coat for a no less elegant poodle'

'New short length jacket with a flair for outdoor life'

'Simple cotton shirtwaist in its latest fashion guise'

'Beautiful cobweb lace stitch traces a demure jacket for a light spring accessory'

The rest of the line which is cut off reads - 'Roll-necked sweater in kitten-soft Orlon, panelled in twists of cable stitch'
'Kitten-soft' is such a lovely way to describe something. I wish people still dressed like this on 'carefree days'

Klassie Kids

2010-06-18T04:09:00.000-07:00

Just a few somewhat creepy things I thought I'd share, because nothing is 'klassier' than spelling things with a K.

Little Mary looks like she eats toddlers for morning tea.

Enriched with what exactly?

What happened to that rabbits eyes? Stabbed out by a customer in self-defense, perhaps? Or maybe they're taking their inspiration from Donnie Darko? After all, that's the movie all the tacky-prom-dress clad 4 year olds are raving about these days (or so I hear).

Postcards from Italy

2010-06-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

These postcards aren't actually from Italy at all, but I adore this song by Beruit and the gorgeously nostalgic music video that accompanies it. I can think of a hundred and one images that are conjured up by this song, but for now a few postcards from my (possibly excessively large) old collection will have to do.

Perhaps one of the things I love most about postcards is reading the messages on the back. Usually they seem to be about the weather and the time it takes to travel places, but occassionally there are more unusual ones. The back of the postcard above (the one on the right), which was sent in 1947, reads 'Dear May : I am going to try and guess how you look. Average height. White hair, blue eyes, kind of plump & good natured. Don't forget I like long letters & you owe me one. Your way wrong on your guess, guess again. Will write a letter when you do, love, Alma'

These four are are actually old photos found under the house of a family friend, the back of the one on the top right reads 'William Forsyth, Hamilton Bowling Club. Eldest brother of Elsie, Margaret, John & Robert. Note left arm lost at war in Gallipoli. Was director of Cairngorm Apiary's in Ohaupo & Produced Tartan Brand Honey' . The photo beside him is of his brother , John Alston Forsyth, and on the back is pasted his death notice that was in the paper which reads - 'Forsyth, John Alston. March 11 1969, at Cornwall Hospital. Loved brother of Elsie, Bert, and Margaret (Mrs Macauley, Devonport)'. I love local history like this. As the house these were found at was in Devonport (a picture of the Devonport church is below) and there were also a number of postcards to Mrs Macauley there, I would be willing to guess that the below photo is of Margaret Macauley and her daughter on her wedding day, although I could be wrong. I do love what they're both wearing.

Friday On My Mind

2010-06-10T04:14:00.000-07:00

There's something about listening to ‘60s music that always makes me want to dance in the rain a bit. I have this inability to walk normally and not fling my umbrella about when I’m listening to Freda Payne, the Easybeats, Diana Ross or the Kinks at full volume. I'm kind of super glad the road between my and my friends houses is relatively secluded. I went over there house last sunday with my new records (cleverly stashed inside the brown case I’m carrying, I got a record with 'Lola' by the Kinks and 'Friday On My Mind' by the Easybeats for only a dollar!) , and managed to make it over without injuring anyone or making a complete fool of myself (I think). We spent the day watching Ghost World, drinking tea, and baking bread while blasting an interesting mix of ‘60s British pop, Mickey Mouse Disco, and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
I also finally got to wear my mustard raincoat! I brought it awhile back and have been not-so-patiently waiting for rainy weather ever since, although rain also means cold and I’m still not quite so keen on that…

Wearing -
Dress - Secondhand
Underskirt (you can see the lace poking out inderneath the dress) - Secondhand
Mustard Raincoat - This is Not a Love Shop Vintage
Umbrella - Secondhand
Shoes - Secondhand
Record Case - Secondhand (found while up north)

Thinking of Shirley Temple

2010-06-10T02:05:00.000-07:00

All my thoughts today have sounded like Shirley Temple, in a way I have her voice stuck in my head. It's such a cute little voice though, that I don't mind at all.

Blue Shoes, Red Shoes, Green Shoes, New Shoes!

2010-05-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

I got some new winter shoes today, so now I don't have to live in my chucks anymore! Found them in a little vintage/handmade store I had never been to before, but is extremely cute - its glass doors are lined with old records - called Tiny Space.

Skirt- Secondhand
Top- Secondhand
Bag and Badge - Secondhand from other family members
Shoes - Tiny Space!
Tights - Farmers I think?

Take your time

2010-05-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

Listening to - Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear
Photos - all from Weheartit I think, except for the Gnome one, which is me

Billy Boy

2010-05-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that lately more blogs have been posting things about vintage/retro mens fashion, so I thought I'd put up a few photos of my brother Billy. Sure, he's only four, but I don't think he stacks up too badly - he loves posing by old cars and always tries to dress 'funky'.

Katie Cook - Chocolate Brownie

2010-05-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Brownie (Vegan)
Ingredients :

2 cups flour
1 cup water
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. Salt
3/4 Cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baing powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla essence
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

Stir 1/2 a cup of the flour and all the water over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick and gluey, and then set aside to cool. It should look like this -
In a bowl, thoroughly mix both sugars, salt, cocoa and baking powder. Add oil and vanilla and stir until well mixed. Add gluey flour mixture and stir until incorporated, then stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour ad chocolate chips.
Bake for 30 mins at 180°C

Treasure hunters: Vintage shopping enthusiasts

2010-05-19T04:17:00.000-07:00

There was an article in the paper today about vintage/recycled clothing, which included interviews with three vintage gals. I thought I'd post this one about Rose Matafeo, who was my head girl at school last year, and always wears fantastic clothes. Her description of herself is 'I like embroidery and breakdancing. One day I hope to find a way to combine the two. I also have an unnatural obsession with Norman Bates'. She's become a bit of a local celebrity as of late (actually, in NZ pretty much all celebritys are local, you see everyone at the supermarket) as she's also a fabulous comedian and actress. I went to see the show she talks about in the interview, called 'What I've Learnt From the '60s- Based On The Things I've Seen On Television', and it was absolutely hilarious.

Anyway, heres the article. You can find the rest of it here , which has the interviews with the other two women.

* * *

Vintage style endures every seasonal fashion trend, whether it be a treasured El Jay dress from the 1960s found in a specialised boutique, a pre-loved T-shirt from your local second-hand store or a five-year-old Karen Walker dress from an online auction. It's shopping for the dedicated and passionate - taking the time to slow down and dig through the racks to find that something special. With Hospice Awareness Week on until May 23 - secondhand shopping that helps out those in need - we talk to three vintage fans and find out their tips, favourite finds and shopping spots.

ROSE MATAFEO

Comedian and student Rose Matafeo likes things from the past. Her recent show at the International Comedy Festival was all about her penchant for the 1960s, from beehives to Burt Bacharach to beach party films starring Frankie Avalon - and her own wardrobe reflects this love of retro and times gone by. The 18-year-old vintage fan gives us some of her best - and funniest - vintage shopping tips.

How often do you wear vintage? I usually have a vintage piece in most of my outfits. I really like mixing it up and wearing old pieces with newer, simple stuff. Sometimes I surprise myself when I realise I'm dressed in all second-hand pieces. I come from a long line of bargain hunters, so the cheapskate in me will be like, "Yes! This whole outfit cost $15! Practically free!"

Your show was about your love of the 1960s - so are you partial to 60s clothes? I think one of the biggest reasons I chose to do a show about the 60s was so that I could wear fake eyelashes and ridiculously dated clothing onstage without people thinking I was completely insane... I lean more towards the early 60s style-wise. I love the progression throughout the decade - the skirts got shorter, the hair got bigger, and the clothes got weirder and weirder. I've always been interested in every other decade apart from the one I'm living in, it seems. My taste in films, music, books and style has always been a bit out of sync with other people. This is probably why I'm pretty much banned from putting my iPod on at parties now - Doris Day doesn't really raise the roof these days.

Where did your love of vintage shopping begin? What are your earliest memories of it? I think my love for vintage style in particular started from reading all of my mum's old Seventeen magazines from the 1978-83. They are filled with some of the most amazing styles that you see making a comeback - the only bad thing is that I fall in love with clothes that I can't ever find. My first piece of vintage was this stripy jumper from the 70s that used to belong to my uncle. I wore it pretty much every day when I was 12, it eventually got so worn out that my nan had to sew some sweet denim patches on elbows. I felt like a college professor - but a casual, hip one on account of the denim.

I love vintage clothes because... they're affordable, good quality and always unique. Great style is timeless, so what's better than being a stylish time traveller everyday? It's like being Doctor Who, but with less Billie Piper and weird aliens with no faces.

Your best vintage shopping tip? Don't spend too much! I suppose if you love the piece and you NEED it in your life, then it's worth it. For me though, half of the fun is being able to find something which is awesome and cheap. Oh, and make sure it fits you. Don't fool yourself into thinking it does just because you want it. It will only end in tears and a lot of broken zips in the changing rooms. Wearing vintage can sometimes look wrong - what is your best tip for getting it right? Don't try hard to convince yourself that something looks good just because it's vintage. Ugly clothing has always been made, so just because someone may have hiked the price and called it vintage doesn't necessarily mean it's going to look great. I think one of my first second-hand duds was this emerald green corduroy jacket. In theory, it was good - but it just made me look like a hobbit. I tried for about five years to convince myself that it looked good, but I had to eventually donate it to the dress-up box. I still think about it every day though.

Who does vintage style well? I think the people who do vintage style the best are the ones I look to for inspiration and general worship. For the better part of my teenage years, I've wished that I could be a Hitchcock blonde (or brunette, but he didn't like them as much). Tippi Hedren, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, Ingrid Bergman, Vera Miles... they all had the ability to come off looking incredibly stylish and pulled together, despite the fact that in every film they're either being chased, murdered or attacked by birds.

Tell us about your favourite vintage find. My favourite vintage find is this skirt that I found in the Rainbow Op-Shop on K Road. It was one dollar! I bought it on my lunch break from when I went to school at Auckland Girls' Grammar last year. That was the real danger about going to a school so close to K Road, because it meant I would always end up spending all my bus money on clothes. I love this skirt, because it's slightly below the knee which means it's great for winter with boots and wool stockings. I used to be scared of anything that wasn't knee-length and up because it wasn't "cool", but now I'm digging the mid-calf length. "Amish sex appeal" is definitely the inspiration for the season.

Favourite vintage stores? Search and Destroy, Vixen, Rainbow Op-Shop, Hunters and Collectors in Wellington ... and that shop in St Kevin's whose name I can't remember. But it has the most amazing vintage clothes, furniture and decor. I basically want to live in the shop, but apparently that's frowned upon.

What vintage spot do you love that most Aucklanders wouldn't know about? My favourite place in the world is the Te Atatu Peninsula Church Shop. It's criminally cheap and sometimes you can hit the jackpot. I scored a full on skirt suit there for six bucks, it makes me look like a flight attendant and/or Margaret Thatcher.

Do you shop for vintage online? I can't say that I have, but that's more to do with my fear of online shopping. I occasionally do buy vintage on Trade Me, but I much prefer to physically see the clothes rather than through tiny thumbnails. It's easier to tell if the clothes are good quality if you actually have them in your hands as well. God, I sound like a mum.

What is your favourite place for vintage accessories? I would have to say my mum's and grandmother's jewellery boxes are my favourite place for vintage accessories. I don't accessorise much, but when I do I usually just go for brooches and necklaces. I love wearing something with a history behind or something that is special to people in my family. That is unless I lose it.

What new vintage spot should we know about? I can't think of any to be honest - if anyone finds out, let me know. Is there a great vintage shopping spot out of town that you would like to share? Paeroa is not only good for L&P, it's also a brilliant vintage shopping spot. Not only for clothes, but for everything. I bought my brother the coolest birthday present there, it was this little mini bar suitcase from the 60s which has four little glasses in it and room for bottles. Drinking in public has never looked so classy.

The Birds

2010-05-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

There seem to be an awful lot of bird prints around at the moment, the second picture down especially reminds me of Miu Miu, however none quite as eccentric as these late '40s, just slightly quirky, gems. They remind me of the fact that I still need to see 'The Birds' by Alfred Hitchcock, my Great Grandmother Alva was terrified of birds ever since she saw it, and I think it's probably a very good thing she never witnessed the masterpiece of these outfits (She was also incredibly well dressed).

All photos from here

Pioneros

2010-05-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

photos from here
Our school hosts a Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) each year, which heaps of schools around New Zealand come to pretending to be representatives of different coutries. This year I'm in Cuba, and while doing research the other day I came across these photos from the 2010 Cuban elections. The 'Pioneros' ensure that everyone puts their vote in the box, and then congratulate them on voting. Aren't they just so cute! I adore their uniforms, especially the girls. Good on them for getting involved (voluntarily) in such an important process, they look to have done a fabulous job.

John - what a Double Intelligent Cool Kid!

2010-05-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

Mining in NZ, really John? My family and I, along with 50,000 other New Zealanders marched against the governments proposal to mine a bunch of New Zealands national parks last weekend, it was an amazing turnout (the biggest march we've had in decades). I had so much fun painting placards, getting to experience the joys of Auckland public transport as I caught the train with my family, getting to hear all of my Grandmothers' (standing behind me in the second photo) amazing stories of the last protest marches they'd been on down Queen street, during the anti-nuclear protests, and reading all of the puns people had put on their signs - oh how I love a good pun - the main one being 'They say mine, we say ours'.
I guess this sort of counts as an outfit post? To save time on listing though, everything I'm wearing is from op-shops.

Pier

2010-05-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

I wore this out to brunch and the craft market last sunday, out in devonport which is full of the most beautiful old houses by the waterfront. As the weathers cooling down (quite severly) I can finally start wearing wool again! I'm very excited.

Woollen Vest- Op Shop
Scarf - Op Shop
Lace Socks- Op Shop
'50s School boy shorts (form an old school uniform)- This is Not a Love Shop vintage, the owner still gives me funny looks in this place after I tried on half the mens pants section trying to find these
Shoes- Chucks
Brown Cardigan (only in last photo) - Op Shop

Thank you!

2010-04-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

Three blog posts in one night!! Who is this girl and why does she have her own theme song?? I'm on a roll. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who's commented on any of my posts so far. This weird thing always hapens with my computer when I try and post comments on my blog (or any other blog in this format) and it just asks me to log in over and over again. But I really do appreciate them so much!
Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend, I gotta go and get some sleep before the big march against mining happening tomorrow, excited already!!

x

cute image - http://theghostfactory.blogspot.com/

Old School

2010-04-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

So, we've started back at school for our second term, and I'm super ready for the next holiday after just a week. It's just constant work and lack of sleep, and I can't help but wonder where all the exciting boarding school mysteries, adventures, and midnight excursions are? Being a central auckland high school, that doesn't take boarders, the closest thing we've got is Justin Biebers limo supposedly driving past (information spread around by very reliable third form sources) .What would make it all more bearable, perhaps, (both the school monotony and the fact that justin bieber coming near our school was the highlight of some girls' year )is a uniform as amazing as some of these (all illustrations are from my old girls' annuals from the '50s). We get to wear mufti in our final year, but until then its a plain blue skirt, light blue blouse, and a blue jumper that smells intensely of wet dog if it gets even slightly wet. Nothing on these cute little pinafores, hats, and blouses, and certainly not on those coats!! Wow.

What I love most about the last one is that, in the story below, the girl on the right is described as 'fat and dark, with a passion for doughnuts'.

Beauties of the '20s

2010-04-30T02:40:00.000-07:00

Just watched the season finale of Americas Next Top Model (guilty pleasure!) and the insane ruffle/streamer/samba things flowing off their arms on the runway, we're seasons behind in NZ by the way, reminded me somewhat of this last photo. I love old pageant and modelling photos like these, a lot of the comments underneath were commenting not just on how the perception of beauty has changed over time, but also on how un-pretty all these gals are. Personally I think they're gorgeous, not to mention their clothes! They seem very real, and I love how in the second photo, Miss Atlanta's hem needs fixing. A nice little touch of imperfection.

- images from shorpy.com

Future Sailors

2010-04-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

Future Sailor outfits!! I finally curled my hair with rags, which I've been wanting to do for ages. Those ringlets are indestructable I swear - they survived a whole day of wind, a party, sleep, and are still there!

Me
Dress (actually a very vibrant blue) - Secondhand, shortened by my lovely mother (it used to have tiers that went below the knee)
Shoes- Etsy
Tights- Kmart. Last night someone thought I just had super pasty legs. I was not amused.
Head Scarf- pilfered from family member
Necklace - Op Shop
Brooch- homemade, it's actually just buttons (with ships on them) slid onto a safety pin

Rosza
Dress - Secondhand, borrowed from me. Although she's done this nifty thing and attatched a black singlet to it with a safety pin, which is what creates the black belt/triangle in the middle of it
Boots and Necklaces- Not sure where they came from
Gold belt - Secondhand, borrowed from me
Head Scarf - Her Dad's tie

Outfit Inspiration- Sailors

2010-04-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is going to be like my third outfit post in a row, but I will post something else soon!
Anyway this is my outfit inspiration for my friend's party on saturday night. It isn't themed, but my friend Rosza and I were listening to what everyone else was going to wear and it all sounded pretty and all, but terribly unimaginative - so we thought , why not just make our own theme? And the genius idea was born to go as 'Future Sailors', loosely based on the Mighty Boosh (which is in the video). Rosza's kinda taking the futuristic sailor part of it (like Vince, the one in silver) and I think I will end up with a more sort of vintage sailor feel (like Howard, the one who got stuck with a lifeboat instead of a ship). I know the sailor look has been a little overdone lately, but we're still having fun with it. I'll post the outfit photos soon, after we've taken them.

Victory Rolls

2010-04-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

After two years of doing nothing with my hair (except tying it up when absolutely neccessary) I’ve decided to start experimenting with it. I'm currently loving the styles from the '40s (as I mentioned in the last post) and the past few days have done victory rolls - I think they turn out pretty fine, staying in shape even after a full day of op-shopping on K' rd today. I think this may be the start of a love affair with hairspray.

Blouse- Peachy Keen Vintage
Skirt - Second hand store
Shoes- Jellies
Slip (the lace bottom pokes out underneath the skirt) - Peachy Keen Vintage
Purse - Second hand store
Beads - Second hand store

Les Sœurs

2010-04-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Some photos of my sister and I - at 8 she loves retro things as well and has a number of very cute little dresses. In particular she loves the '40s after doing a school production about that era (Currently a slight obsession of mine too, mainly because of the hair), the second photo was taken last year just before the show which was fabulous. I've put a video of her dance to 'Boogie Wooge Bugal Boy of Company B' by the Andrews sisters below because it was so cute (My Mum made all the gorgeous girls costumes as well).

Roller Skatin'

2010-04-06T03:53:00.001-07:00

I got this book at an op-shop awhile back and am loving the illustrated step-by-step instructions it has. At this point I am really wishing that I a) had enough co-ordination to rollerskate properly and b) still fit my old roller skates (which were similiar to the ones in the pictures except red, blue, and yellow striped). That way I could learn to skate like these kool kids and, one day, perhaps have the skill shown in the Flight of the Conchords music video below.

I honestly cannot think of a cooler thing right now than being able to hang out at the roller rink on weekends (my sister actually went to a skate party the other weekend, until then I didn't even know there was a skate rink in Auckland because it's way out in the wop wops) or to just casually roller skate everywhere with massive headphones on (attatched to a tape player, preferably) Sigh. Next summer, perhaps?
Anyway, even though it will be the second video, no roller skating post would be complete without the 'Poi E' music video by Patea Maori Club, which I love to no end.

Petanque!

2010-03-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

Last week our 3 school teams went to the Auckland petanque competition (that's right Miss Hooper, I actually missed school and a chemistry lesson for petanque) - it was so much fun, even though I still can't really play. After all teams successfully came last in all our games (except those against another AGGS team) it became evident how really we all came for the day off school, cheap orangina, and a free barbeque. Not to say that we didn't practise, it's just that throwing some boules down a grassy hill and downloading game instructions off google weren't really any match for the St Kents tracksuits. In saying that, we won in our hearts as usual and no-one at St Kents had a hat quite like mine.

Spot the blue tracksuits!
I'm not a huge fan of this photo but I figured at least one of the 4 bottles of Orangina I drank had to make it into a photo.

Shorts-Homemade by my lovely mother
Suspenders-From an old pair of my Mum's pants
Hat- Second hand store
Blouse-Second hand
Cardigan- Second hand
Socks-Opshop

Somewhat Questionable Relationship Advice from BOYFRIEND '70

2010-03-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

I've just properly realised that I won't be able to live in my white summer blouse all the time now that the weathers getting chillier, but will I be able to pull off a winter blouse as well as these boys from Status Quo did?? The ruffles, the mullet, the co-ordinating high waisted flare pants. But to be honest I'd probably dress like this if my girlfriend was going by the treat 'em mean, keem 'em keen approach that 'Boyfriend '70 Book' (the same edition which this status quo pic was from) advises. To be honest I'm feeling a little sorry for some of the boyfriends of the '70s, and also a little puzzled at how things worked out after this advice was followed.
A shortened list of pointers from the article is below:

HOW to make him love you even more

Don't listen to his troubles, but moan at great length about yours

Chew gum with your mouth open

Stop and redo an entire make-up job at every shop window

Tell him that the only reason you're dating him is because he spends all of his pay packet on you. Imply that there is nothing else attractive about him

Rin g him up every hour on the hour and ask why he hasn't telephoned. Doesn't he love you anymore?

When you visit his Mum and Dad, ignore them both and spend the entire time talking to your boyfriend. You have nothing in common with them anyway (you figured that out in the first five minutes) so why waste your breath.

Oggle his best friend whenever possible.
Tell him how lucky he is to have a good looking friend.

Don't ever remember his birthday. Yours is far more important.

Finally, read this article to him (clicking your tongue) and say you can't understand how any girl could be so awful.

Havin' a grand old time

2010-03-21T23:22:00.001-07:00

Guess who's internet is finally working properly again? Yay!

Curls

2010-03-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken the other night, just before I went out to see the new Alice in Wonderland (finally!). I had just had my hair cut and properly curled it with '70s heated rollers! I've been excited for so long about having a new haircut, and had to find a new hairdresser. Luckily my best friends godfather not only cuts hair but understood exactly what I wanted. We talked about '40s film star curls and Lady Gaga's outfits in her latest music video while he did my hair in his lounge turned salon/shirley bassey shrine. As for the movie - it was definitely amazing, especially the clothes, but I still prefer the old one with Whoopi Goldberg as the Chesire cat. Tim Burton did do a fabulous take on the story, although everyone said it was a very dark version whereas I though he might actually get a bit more out there on the storyline. But maybe that's just me. One thing that was way out there however was the fact that I noticed me and Anne Hathaway both a freckle on the palm of our right hand! Gee whizz, I bet you didn't expect that one.

Dress - '60s house coat found in a fantastic shop called vintageville (The weather's suddenly started to get very cold, so I had to wear a woollen vest and skirt underneath)

Shoes -etsy

Retro Fever

2010-02-23T23:41:00.000-08:00

So ... I should be studying up for my learner drivers test right now, but I keep getting distracted by looking at retro car ads.

Aren't they simply fabulous! Not only for the beautiful cars, but also because of how much they show about the era they are from. I think the way advertising style changes is just fascinating. It's not often now that you see a car advertised as 'fun' or 'playful', it's all sleek, silver, futuristic in a technological-robot kind of a way, and more-complex-than-a-batmobile with airbags so big that they'll suffocate you (but the car will be fine, due to all it's fancy anti-crash safety features). What we supposedly look for in a car and what is important to a majority of consumers has changed so much since the swinging sixties, and other bygone eras. Personally, I find an advertisement that has been hand drawn a whole lot more appealing than a high definition photograph that practically shines.

Image credit- mainly form here and here.

Overnight Bag

2010-02-16T22:25:00.000-08:00

Blouse, Scarf, and Skirt all thrifted. The bag is second hand too, one of the many from my airline bag collection, and is the perfect size for overnight stays or short trips away.

Childrens Knitwear

2010-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

This is a whole bunch of pictures from old childrens knitting patterns which I am currently taking winter inspiration from (I know it's not winter yet, and it's not that I don't love summer, but I'm so ready for a new season - muggy days and sunburn are definitely starting to lose their appeal.). So, in anticipation of getting to snuggle up in my woollens again and not melt everytime I move away from a fan, here are some adorable outfits that, if they weren't in child sizes and I could knit, would certainly be in my closet.

It's a knitted tie!!
This one isn't from a pattern, it's my Gran and my Great Aunt. They had the most amazing matching home-made clothes when they were younger, I would have put up more but this was the only one I could find of their woollens that wasn't on a slide.

Woollen romper for the beach? check.

Pin Up Dresses

2010-02-09T01:42:00.000-08:00

I was sent the link to this website (thank-you Sara!) and have spent the evening perusing all the lovely dresses. These are some of my favourites:

Florence and the Machine

2010-02-02T14:02:00.001-08:00

Florence Welch IS AMAZING.

I saw her at the Auckland Laneway festival and it was the best gig I have ever been to. EVER. We were right up the front, SO CLOSE. I think I'm still in awe a bit and it's been what, two days since I saw her?Her voice is SO STUNNING (I apologise for the excessive use of capitals )and she has so much energy and intensity onstage, and her dancing is incredibly graceful.I love her hair (especially when it has the light behind it) and her style, when she was here she brought a vintage dress from the peachy keen (mentioned in my last post) store in Real Groovy. I have especially been wanting a dress like the ones in her Rabbit Heart video (which also remind me of the dresses in the virgin suicides) all summer, and I possibly found a vintage store that has some yesterday?! I'm going back tomorrow so fingers crossed.

Hat!

2010-01-24T23:10:00.001-08:00

Today my family and I headed out for a wander and picnic lunch at the botanic gardens. I do love a good picnic.I wore this fabulous hat I found while op-shopping on my birthday, an amazing dress with a slip underneath - both from my favourite vintage store Peachy Keen, beads from an op-shop, and my jellies. The weather was back to being properly summer (it's been cold and rainy the past few days) and the gardens were beautiful as usual, I am especially fond of all the old english roses. I listened to Florence and the Machine all day - am so excited for Laneway on monday!

Also - The second-to-last photo also features our picnic blanket, which my Mum found on my birthday op-shop .

Vintage Finds

2010-01-21T02:36:00.001-08:00

Above-Louis Armstrong playing 'Mack the Knife'
So it was my birthday not too long ago (really? who would have guessed after that last birthday cake post) and I had the most amazing day. After presents in the morning with my siblings(I got an old 60s portable record player which is in the video above, it also folds up and you can carry it around like a little suitcase, and a retro towelling beach robe/dress thing! I have been wanting both for soooo long!) Mum and I headed out first to a junk/second hand store up the road and then into the depths of henderson on an op-shopping spree. I don't know if it was because of my birthday or if I had some good kharma or what, but I found something in every single store. The best op shopping luck ever. Thank you universe. Among my finds were a brown woollen skirt , 70s floor length dress, a bunch of old records, and a vintage doll (who is now aptly named June and shall appear in a later post). An old doll was the one thing I really wanted to find that day and I stumbled across her in the most unlikely little recycled clothing store. I also found an old book that I had been searching for for ages that we used to have at my primary, and an old ad book about one of my favourite cars, the triumph spitfire. That night the whole family came round for a fantastic vegan tea and then we spent the evening listening to records (my mum even dug out her old collection) on my new record player. Still not sure how I feel about being 15 but at least now I can get my learners . My Mum and I are searching for an old VW beetle that we can do up to be my first car - super excited!

My records, tucked away in a record case found in an op shop up north

Fantastic curtain fabric and an old book from my Aunty and Uncle, my cousin Kahi also made me the most awesome birthday cardto the tune of the Jackson 5, and Sol very kindly donated some of his prized shell and seaglass collection to come and join one of my shelf displays

According to the 1976 'valuetale' Helen Keller imagined that she was followed around by 3 tiny leprechauns as a child, and had HUGE eyes

Some photos from the Triumph Spitfire MK4 advertising and specifications brochure

Katie Cook - Vegan Carrot Cake (My Birthday Cake)

2010-01-21T00:33:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour

1 c. sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 c. vegetable oil

140 g apple sauce or stewed apple (1 goulburn valley pot)

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 1/2 c. grated carrot

1 c. shredded coconut

Making

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in oil, apple and vanilla until well mixed. Stir in carrots and coconut (Batter is thick). Pop into a greased or baking paper lined cake tin and cook for roughly 40 mins (depending on your oven) at 180˚c.

Icing

250g soy cream cheese

juice of one lemon

2 cups icing sugar

Combine ingredients with a fork or a whizz-stick, if icing is too runny then keep adding icing sugar until it is at the appropriate consistency.

Up North

2010-01-20T02:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some (polarized-yay!) photos from our recent holiday in Omapere. There was a huge sunflower in the vegetable garden of the house we stayed at, the biggest one I've ever seen, and it required lots of kodak moments. While we were there we took a day trip over to Ahipara to see my Auntie, Uncle, and Cousins. I never quite got why they moved up into the middle of nowhere, but after seeing how beautiful their place is I fully understand. In front of a backdrop of native bush and with enough room for two horses and some rescued battery hens (sporting names like 'Barry' and 'Derek') at the bottom of the drive is a river with a fantastic, if not a little chilly, waterhole. If you follow the river down there is a field filled with wild blackberries. It was the first time I had ever been blackberry picking and I have to say they are not gentle plants -my hands were still covered in little cuts and stained slightly purple with their sweet juice for days after. While my family stayed in Omapere for a week, Rosza and I came down early to go to big day out, which was amazing. TheChecks DevendraBanhart TheVeils Kasabian Bandicoot Muse DizzeeRascal sixbottlesofwater and physicallymeltingintheheat all in one day. Fantastic.

Note- I used this to make all my photos look like polaroids, and also the dress I am wearing in the first photo is the same one I wore on christmas day

Swimsuits, Oh Swimsuits

2010-01-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

I am experiencing some serious swimsuit lust now that summer has hit us. I'm going away up north tomorrow which basically means I'll be at the beach all day for a week, defending my green and yelow floral seventies one-piece from ignorant claims that it is a dress. Not even in the seventies did hemlines go that short, honey. My best friend is coming away with us (us being my family) and bringing her amazing rockabilly style swimsuit with her. I am extremely jealous. It was in the summer fashion quarterly and I'd been pouring over it for some time when she suddenly popped up in it, completely unaware of her swimsuits fame. In saying that, up until about a month ago she thought that you pronounced diplodocus as dipl-i-docis . So what can you expect. Anyway, here are some of the fruits of my swimsuit lust.