Nothing does Formal as well as Vintage.

  

As we head into the season of school formals, remember nothing brings out youthful beauty more than a stunning piece of vintage. Or even vintage head to toe. Think of a young Ava Gardener, Lana Turner or Audrey Hepburn – how divine to own the room with that level of glamour.

Ava Gardener inspires us with a one shoulder strap elegant dress.

Lovely Lana in a sparkling black halter floor length dress.

The gorgeous Audrey in a flower print dress.

So many of today’s formal designs manage to – well, let’s face it – they all somehow look the same. Now that’s great if you don’t want to stand out but who doesn’t want to rock the room at their formal?

Two of vintage clothing’s main advantages, unique design and superior quality, are so appropriate for evening wear – all come with a high level of the ‘oh my God you look divine’ effect. 

Courtesy of Vogue.

When a vintage gown fits you, it looks like it was made for you and we could tell you so many stories of girls transformed into goddesses with just one pull of the zip.

Right now, Bowerbird Vintage is well stocked with hangers holding ‘that perfect dress’. You should make haste before the best colours and styles are snapped up.

If you don’t want to go vintage all the way, consider giving a modern gown that vintage twist with the perfect choice of jewelry. Current fashion, as highlighted in this month’s Vogue is all about a special vintage necklace or broach, paired with the latest catwalk looks.

Vintage Jewellery, Courtesy of Vogue.

Come into the store and we’ll help you find the perfect look for a school formal you’ll remember forever. We have so much to choose from. If you can't find it online, be sure to email us so we can check our stocks, which we rotate regularly.

With Spring in full bloom (a little earlier than expected but hasn’t this weather been simply divine) we would like to share that we are exhibiting at The Vintage and Retro Fair, Friday Sept 27th to Sunday 29th September. This gorgeous Fair will be at Australia Technology Park, Eveleigh Sydney.

Tickets can be purchased in advanced to save a few dollars.

We love this Fair and chatting to all of our Vintage fans and followers. It is a great day out to be absorbed in all things Vintage. From Vintage Fashion & Jewellery to Vintage Cars, Vintage Furniture and so much more. Mark the date in your diaries and we look forward to seeing you there.

It’s about the love.  The love for a change of season and the love of Vintage.

Kim

Everyone's a winner

We think everyone who falls for vintage is a winner in the great fashion statement of life. However, as you would know, we’ve just held a competition offering everyone the opportunity to win a truly beautiful vintage black crystal necklace. This necklace has already played a staring role in the TV series ‘ A Place to Call Home’ and now it will play its best part yet – around the gorgeous neck of our lucky winner, Maria Moriarty.

Maria got us where it counts when she said her favourite vintage pieces that she can’t live without were her ‘black sleeveless satin swing dress which holds a classic 1950s design. Along with a fresh water pearl necklace.’ Maria shared that if she won ‘can’t wait to dress up to take me back to a time I should have been born in.’ Don’t we all Maria!

It really wasn’t easy to choose. Audrey reminded us of the power of memento when she told us of her Grouse claw brooch, from the father she never knew. He died in WW2 when she was only 8 months old. She said the brooch is well worn and no wonder.

Leanne was lucky enough to be given her grandmother’s pearl necklace to wear on her wedding day – that’s borrowed and old covered right there – and Sarah has a vintage Spanish bracelet and ring from her great, great grandmother.

Aime loves her vintage red Mary Jane shoes because they make her feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and Kirsten loves hers ‘even though they cause me pain, they’re too beautiful to resist’. Now, that’s commitment.

Jess has all her grandmothers Glo-Mesh bags (score) and Wendy adores her 1950’s vintage pink coat. There were just so many wonderful stories behind the entries to this competition. Our imaginations ran wild.

And of course that’s one of the special things about vintage – the stories behind every special piece. You’ll find enough stories to fill a book in our store right now, so make sure you drop in to check out the new arrivals.

And a big thanks to the many people who entered our competition. There will be more, I promise. Congratulations to Maria Moriarty. We hope you enjoy wearing your exquisite necklace for many years to come.

Thanks for sharing the love.  The love of vintage.

Kim

Your time to sparkle.

Is it the extra lustre?  Or the beautiful and sometimes complex designs?  There is no doubt that the lovers of vintage jewellery have many reasons for their devotion but let’s agree, like everything vintage, it has a lot to do with individuality, not to mention great taste. 

The one advantage vintage has over contemporary jewellery is that it looks just as beautiful worn with sleek, modern fashion as it does with the more feminine and romantic styles.

                                    

And vintage jewellery brings its own story – just imagine the lives of those who came before, the thrill when it was first fastened, what times has it seen. The stones are brighter and the settings more elaborate and romantic. Everyone shines in vintage jewellery.

The good news is that right now, you can enter our competition and win a 1950’s amazing vintage black, Austrian crystal necklace. It was worn by Noni Hazlehurst on Chanel 7’s A Place to Call Home and will look stunning with everything and anything. 

Like us on Facebook and this beautiful piece, valued at $300 could be all yours. See our WIN tab for further details.

In the meantime, stop on over to our online store Bowerbird Vintage and see the amazing pieces we have available for every jewellery lover. Vintage jewellery is classic and timeless – it will never look outdated and always hold its special charm.

You can also visit us at our retail store in Sydney's south and share the love. The love of sparkle, the love of Vintage.

Kim

Vintage De Luxe. You know you want it.

What says vintage more than fur and velvet and a big buying spree over the last few months which has filled Bowerbird with some amazing vintage fur stoles and luxurious velvet.

Fur De Luxe

Now we don’t condone cruelty to animals in anyway, and I always endeavour to have faux fur or alternative choices for my customers.

However we are passionate about the history of fashion and we know there are those of you who would love nothing better than to swathe yourself in an authentic vintage fur stole.  Why not pop in to our Bowerbird store or jump online for a preview.

Vintage fur stole

One of our favourites, black fur jacket

And while you’re here, what can I say but velvet, velvet, velvet. Super on trend, these pieces are just incredible. No wonder I, well let’s just say I overindulged my love for these luxurious velvet coats from the 20’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  There are so many delicious colours, lengths and styles to choose from – some have collars, some have fastenings, others are worn loose and flowing- there will be one perfect for you. They will all be on line soon.

bold red velvet long vintage jacket, a must for Winter

1950's dress with velvet bodice and full skirt

Now, let’s talk super vintage pick of the day. It’s an original 1950’s dress with a velvet bodice and fabulous full skirt. To this I’ve added a Bowerbird 50’s inspired tulle petticoat for extra fullness and just to make this outfit absolute perfection – a black velvet bolero. Only $200 for everything is too much of a bargain to ignore.

So there are many great reasons to drop into our  online store or if you are in Sydney, pop in and see us at 71 Jubilee Ave, Carlton NSW.

Come in today and share the love. The love of vintage.

Next blog we are excited to share our Facebook competition. You could WIN a gorgeous necklace as worn by Noni Hazelhurst from Channel Seven's  'A Place to Call Home'.

Until next time.

Kim

Canberra - The Way We Were Fair this Weekend

Bowerbird Vintage will be at the WAY WE WERE FAIR in Canberra next weekend
Details - see the website :

www.thewaywewearfairs.com

"Racks filled with fabulous fashion spanning over two hundred years. Boxes full of photographs of fashionably dressed men and women. Shelves bursting with crisp, starched French and Irish linen. Polished wooden cabinets full of glittering jewels.

Exotic textiles from lands far beyond Australia’s shores draped across tables. Umbrella stands full of parasols, umbrellas and walking sticks. Hat stands bedecked with exotic creations from milliners’ workshops. Walls covered from top to bottom with original fashion drawings.

This is what awaits you at the WAY WE WERE FAIR NEXT WEEKEND IN CANBERRA"

The Way We Wear Fair

Bowerbird at 'The Way We Wear' Fair

Bowerbird Vintage is heading up to Newcastle for 'The Way We Wear' Fair. 
Come join us and grab yourself some unique and fabulous vintage pieces and find that perfect party frock for the summer party season!

When: November 10th & 11th

Where: Newcastle Civic Centre

www.thewaywewearfairs.com

See you there!

Love Vintage Sydney Summer Show - the fun starts Friday at 5.30pm!Looking for the perfect formal dress?

 

Vintage is HOT this summer and Sydney's Love Vintage Summer Show is back in Canterbury, with all your favourite vintage and retro sellers, plus lots of new exhibitors from all around Australia!

The show is THE place to find exceptional quality vintage, antique and retro clothing, accessories, jewellery and homewares, all under one roof! Plus there is a full line up of entertainment including fashion parades, talks from expert collectors, swing dancing and more...Come along, bring your friends, and discover something special at the Love 

Vintage Summer Show... it's a fab day out for everyone! 

When: September 14 to 16Times: Friday from 5.30pm to 9pm; Saturday from 10am to 5pm; Sunday from 10am to 4pm 

Where: Canterbury Park Racecourse, King St, Canterbury. FREE Parking! 

Tickets: Buy online or at the door.

Click the image above for more info! 

The Best Dressed in Vintage Competition is on Friday at 7.15pm: enter on the night for your chance to win some great prizes... and show off your vintage style! Friday night is also a great chance to get in first for all the best vintage pieces sellers have been saving just for this show!

Entertainment and fun abounds all weekend! See summer fashion on the catwalk, watch the glamorous makeovers (or gals and guys, get one yourself!), learn to care for your vintage fabrics, discover what's collectable in jewellery, and find out just how to wear a hat at the races!

 Vintage shopping heaven is here! You'll discover so many treasures to buy... an Edwardian lace blouse, a  1950s 'wiggle' dress, a 'Mad Men' gents suit, a rare Bakelite bracelet, antique wooden sewing  bobbins, a pair of iconic 70s designer sunglasses... every piece tells story