just one wish....

Oh, to look like Grace...if only for a day!

It's time to watch Rear Window and To Catch a Thief again I think.

I've been perusing the Sartorialist this morning and he reminded me

of the joy of watching old movies with his references

to Cary Grant and Irene Dunn in

The Awfull Truth.

Grace and Cary in To Catch a Thief for me though is the

perfect movie star combination

more frocks from the Rescued by Bowerbird label

I have been busy over the last few days deconstructing and redesigning two very beautiful white lace wedding gowns from the 1960's. They are in the process of being transformed from floor length, long sleeved extravagant frocks with trains to short sleeved, above the knee shift dresses - perfect for a balmy summer party or a night out on the town. The lace and beading still in tact - they are really beautiful.

The other two I have just completed include (on the left) a beautiful silk teal blue Ricki Renee of Sydney party frock (circa. mid 1980's). I removed the rather unattractive long puffed sleeves so common around that time, took the (ahem!) shoulder pads out and also raised the hem a few inches to just on the knee - finishing it with the original banded hem to give it back it's bell shaped look which has made a comeback in a big way the last couple of seasons.

And this little number on the right has the most exquisite fabric. An original (circa 1960's - I think, although it's hand made so a little tricky to pin point) ball gown. The tartan teal, orange and green is just beautiful - so eye catching. However the sleeves needed re-adjusting as they were just too huge and it was totally impractical being floor length.

Now I think it's really edgy - I'd wear it out to a posh bar for a night out with the girls!

Both will be available on the bowerbirdvintage web site soon

x

Check This Out!

I have just found Elk Accessories online . I love a brooch so I'm in heaven. Lots of delicious jewels and other interesting goodies to look at....only problem is that a few of those that I covet are sold out at the moment :(

It's who you know!

One of the most important things I have learned since starting my own business is that networking and talking to other people in similar situations is soooo crucial to your success.

I've never been great at putting myself out there but in the last 12 months I've joined a number of organisations that have helped me connect to other people in business who are either at the same stage as me or who have years of experience. The one thing they all have in common is that they are happy to share their ideas and give advice.

Talking to others about what has worked and what hasn't, has been very empowering and motivating. I've found that just knowing that your not alone and that others have similar experiences - both highs and lows - is comforting and keeps you focused.

There are a many, many groups out there to choose from. The best ones for me have been:

(click on them for the link)

The NSW Women in Business (free! ...and 100% fantastic!)

Last Thursday Club

Australian Business Women's Network

Also, Ive been told the follow are very good too:

Business Chicks

Business Swap

and then there's Agyness....

Having just declared my delight in the Dita's of this world making vintage glamour seriously sexy again, lets not forget the quirky 80's punk revival being led by the uber cool English model of the moment Agyness Deyn. Her androgynous look is kinda beautiful and although she's supposed to be a tomboy she always looks groomed to perfection to me.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) there really aren't too many people who can pull off the whole Duran Duran, Culture Club look with the style and panache of Deyn. Personally, I wouldn't even try as the eighties certainly weren't my fashion high point the first time round, but Agyness is really rocking it now...

Photos: Imaxtree

A return to super glam - 1930's style!

I love return of glam on the catwalks at the moment. The 1930's ankle length sheath dresses with inticate detailing that accentuates the body in all the right places! Bejewelled gowns, high gloss satin, bias cut silks or antique lace with feathers, delicate beading and fringing. It's fantastic to see vintage high glamour making such an impact.

I particularly like the return of seriously styled hair a la Dita Von Teese. The finger curls and glossy waved bobs styled to perfection remind me of Hollywood in it's hey day. It's great to see such elegance being revisited - it's the reason I love vintage so much. You can't beat old skool glamour!


I'd personally like to thank Dita for always making an effort -
and making it always seem effortless
x

handy lessons

Although the final stages of building a (very comprehensive) website is slow going...the organisation and preparation appears to be never ending...then there's the testing, the continuous changes and re-evaluation of functionality...did I mention the testing???

Anyhow...while such things can be laborious and frustrating, actually being part of such a creative process is really very exciting and extremely fulfilling. I have loved everything from drawing each page of the site freehand (in crayons no less!) and discussing the look and feel with the web designers to the fashion shoots, and the endless hours of editing and preparing text.

And most importantly, this last few months has taught me a few very valuable personal skills that may have been lacking in the past:

1 . Patience! A handy lesson for me has been to always over estimate the time it takes to get things done...and not to freak out about things that are fundamentally out of my control. Timeframes blow out...just use the extra time wisely!

2. Prioritise! Spending time working out what my priorities are and focusing on what needs to be done and in which order is soooo important! As is not getting bogged down in the details and wasting time on insignificant things.

3. Support! I have finally learned to network and to ask people for help and advice. The support of a great mentor, which I now have, and the help of a team of experts has made the process so much easier

4. Enjoyment and down time is essentail for a healthy, happy life - And it's your right!

Working from home and for myself is the ultimate reward! I am more disciplined and focused and work much harder now but I have also learned to take some time out each and every day to appreciate how great life really is...and I've never been more relaxed!

weekend leisure

There's nothing quite like a swim, a big fruit salad and a good cappucino (in that order) to cure the symptoms of a few too many good wines the night before!

The water was glorious at Wanda beach, North Cronulla this morning