Tea Party and Oil Spills

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.

The '30s in VOGUE - Part 1

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!

Billy Boy

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'.

Swimsuits, Oh Swimsuits

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.