Daily outfit.....visitors for morning tea.....

Last week the incomparable Bec Sherlock and Heather Hensley joined me for morning tea - and this is what I wore to entertain my guests. My favourite green beads ($10 at some cheapy shop), a black silk like tank top that I have had since day dot, cute little brown Country Road cardi that I scored at an op shop in Nihl about 10 years ago ( I hoard everything), and a fun little skirt I made this summer from the most beautiful mid century polished cotton fabric I found at the local Trash and Treasure for two bucks....couldnt be happier with that !!!

This was actually the last time I wore my hair ah la 1950's. I have made the move into the next decade in an attempt to keep my 'youth' just a bit longer. I love 1950's hair - especially when it is platinum or red, but I am attempting to give some health back to my fried locks, so it needs a bit of rest from the intense dying and bleaching it has been exposed to over the past two years...... next time you see me I will be sporting a quite different, although still mid century, style !!!

New beginnings - a daily outfit

Upon suggestion from the ever inspiring Julie at Narioka, I have decided to post my 'daily outfit' more regularly.....OK, I dont intend to put online what I am wearing everyday - for a start, I just dont have the time to upload photographs from my camera every day - but I will attempt to share what I wear alot more often....who knew that they way I dress was so very interesting to people, but I guess, judging by comments I have received lately, it is intriguing ......at least it is for most people, with the exception of my 4 year old, daughter who tells me that the way I dress 'scares people'.......gotta laugh !!! I only hope that someday she finds the courage to dress to suit herself and not some self designated fashion mogul or magazine.

Here is what I wore today - been feeling very autumnal recently and browns are the flavour of the moment..... my skirt is one I made myself, covered in red, tan and green florals and roosters and chickens....it makes me feel very self sufficient whenever I wear my 'chicken' skirt, and my daughter very much approves !! A nice warm brown cardi to top it off ( I love cardi's) and some hoop earings. As for my hair and make up, I will detail that later in my next post, but let me say that I am now going for the whole Audrey Hepburn 1960's / Mad Men Secretarial look....stay tuned for the new hair do post!!!

My daughter giving me her tempered 'approval' of todays outfit......

Been a while since you talked about the birds and the bees?

Well now, yes it has been an awfully long time since I talked or maybe even thought about the birds and the bees.......and although that may be somewhat sad, this little card that my sister sent me certainly isnt ! Aint it just so cute? It inspired me to stumble around the web looking for other such gems and, as it has been quite a while since I did any kind of fashion post, I thought sharing these pictures might suffice ! The theme is cute 50's - as opposed to classic elegance !

Quite obviously I need to get back on the sewing machine again so I have some beautiful and home crafted fashion to show and tell about....but for now, cup of earl grey tea in hand, enjoy a bit of  Internet eye candy - and I hope you have the chance to talk about the birds and the bees on many occasions!

And do enjoy this classic 50's song "The Birds and the Bees" by Jewell Akens by clicking on the last image in this set !

Grace Kelly Exhibition...a happy and sad tale.....

How very beautiful was the Grace Kelly exhibition at Bendigo's wonderful Art Gallery. If you have not been yet, or have not yet planned to attend, I highly recommend that you do so ASAP before it is all sold out.....it is proving to be one of the most popular exhibitions Bendigo has ever had. This is no mean feat considering they have staged two previous sensational exhibitions from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London prior to this momentous event - 200 Years of Wedding Fashion last year, and The Golden Age of Couture the year before.

Personally, I couldn't help squeaking with delight as soon as I walked in the exhibition door and saw not one, or two, but three costumes from the adored "High Society".....I kept quoting lines under my breath hoping that no one nearby would think I was insane....but it simply couldn't be helped! Not when you are face to face with the dress that embellished the lines "...and Jack the Ripper - where did he teach? Your father I mean...." or the swimming gown that lends Grecian elegance to the statement 'but I dont want to be worshiped, I want to be loved", and the perfectly equisit pre wedding ballgown that ends up 'in the swimming pool' when Tracey Lord declares "I dont know about you, but I'm going to go in the water". Yes, it is one of my favourite movies......

But so is Rear Window, and there are costumes from that as well. There is Grace's Oscar accepting dress and Oscar on display. There are outfits from her pre wedding trousseau. A replica of her wedding dress I found more captivatingly beautiful that the footage of the wedding had allowed. And there was oodles of footage of Grace at growing up, in the early years of her career, and particularly at home with her family in Monaco. For me, the visit with my best friend Brooke and one very well behaved son was delightful in every way.........

However, there was an underlying element of sadness to the whole exhibition too - particularly once one moved on from the film screening into the Monaco era. The footage made it all too real that Grace was not a happy princess. That she was resigned, sad, and somewhat lost. I was aware before seeing the exhibition that Grace had felt trapped in the years following her marriage - unable to act any longer, a celebrity Princess locked away in her pink palace, devoting herself to her children while craving greater meaning for her life. However, the exhibition and interview footage with Grace gave pronouncement to that sad reality. A woman devoted to her husband and children, but completely at the loss of herself, her freedom, her independence. How are any of us to know in our early 20's what the consequences of seemingly noble, worthwhile and fairytale like choices may mean for the rest of our lives? I walked away in awe of Grace's elegance and beauty, but saddened by the pain her life choice brought her. I am sure there are many women - not just princesses - throughout history who have, can or do identify with Grace's elemental story.......

But, not to leave this review on a sad note, do go and see this wonderful, informative and beautiful exhibition....you will most certainly not be sorry you did!

Dressing mid century vintage and cancer recovery.....

I am very excited to share a guest post with all my regular readers today.....the lovely Jackie Clark has a passion to inspire and help women who are suffering from and recovering from cancer to feel beautiful, valued and treasured. Jackie has kindly written this wonderful post for Alice Jean's detailing how 1950's fashions can help the female cancer patient attain a feeling of classic beauty once more.....in the light of cancer, fashion can seem awfully frivolous, and yet the other side of the coin is that we all desire to look and feel beautiful, no matter what brick walls and hurdles life shoves in our way. I do hope you enjoy this article ! Thankyou dear Jackie !

The Fabulous 1950s Help Cancer Patients Look and Feel Beautiful

By: Jackie Clark

Looking good can play a big role in helping cancer patients feel good. Although it’s tempting to throw on a pair of baggy sweats, the ultra-feminine look of the 1950s can help women battling cancer to feel less like a patient and more like a young Elizabeth Taylor. The fashions of this era are all the rage; thanks to the cult TV show “Mad Men.” Here are the main features of 1950s style, starting at the head and ending at the toes:

Side-swept bangs and curled hair

Marilyn Monroe hairstyles, with softly waved bangs gracing the forehead, are an alluring style for wigs worn during chemotherapy. Flipped-up curls give a contemporary look. For some cancers, chemotherapy is the primary treatment option, and hair loss usually results. Mesothelioma treatment, for example, almost always requires chemotherapy. After treatment, a short, Audrey Hepburn hairstyle eases the growing-out phase.

Scarves

Scarves wrapped around the head and tied neatly at the back were popular in the middle of the last century. This is a cute, comfortable alternative to a wig during chemo or the growing-out stage.

Button Earrings

Button earrings with colored faux gems are back in style. For work, button earrings with swirly loops are tastefully elegant.

Scoop necks, V-necks and square necks

Fifties necklines are feminine but leave cleavage to the imagination during the day, a feature that breast cancer survivors appreciate. For evening, necklines can dip lower for those who dare, a la Jayne Mansfield.

Fitted bodices

A fitted bodice with princess lines flatters every figure. Another classic look is a gathered bust that narrows to a slim waistline.

Full skirts and cinched waists

This style accentuates or gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. Circle skirts are a pretty variation, but the poodle skirt is best reserved for costume parties. This curvaceous look is especially flattering for women whose cancers have caused them to lose weight, especially common in mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer and gastric carcinoma.

Pencil skirts

A pencil skirt that hits somewhere around the knee is a sleek classic. A kick pleat, slit or French vent in the back adds a flirty twist. For work, a matching jacket gives a smart, Joan Crawford look.

Pedal pushers and wide-leg pants

Now known as capris, pedal-pushers originated in the 50s with cyclists trying to keep their pant legs out of the bicycle chain. Wide-leg pants reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn slim the legs.

High-waisted, two-piece swimsuits

These swimsuits are flattering to women of all ages, and the high cut hides most surgical scars. Women everywhere are rejoicing that they’re back in style.

Medium-heeled pumps

Fifties’ pumps get their sexy look from toe cleavage and kitten heels, not ankle-twisting stilettos. Fun variations are peep toes, sling-back heels and ankle straps. For casual wear, choose a fun take-off on the saddle shoe.

No matter what you prefer the 50’s style has something to fit all of your needs. It is important to remember that despite having cancer you can still be fashionable and confident. Looking and feeling confident in how you dress will help for an overall recovery.

Renovate your wardrobe, your house, your self this summer !

Just in time for Christmas - and summer fun if you live in Australia - here are some wonderful websites for some truly great vintage stuff that I just had to share. If you are looking to renovate your wardrobe, your inner self, your house or your vintage pattern collection this summer break, then these site are a must see !!! Click on the images to be taken to these terrific sites !!

For some seriously smooth vintage styled bathers, check out these...I am am a sucker for gingham checks, Hawaiian and nautical things !!! But there are many more fabo styles as well........

If you are thinking of getting stuck into your reno's this summer holidays, then you must check out this WONDERFUL retro reno site. Choc full of inspiration, information and retrovation, you are just gonna LOVE this site..........








I just adore this wonderful site - all about 'getting naked'. About baring your soul, searching your heart, discovering self, revamping the inner you and nourishing the things that are most important in life - relationships. With self, with partners, with others. This is a gem of a site, and very worth checking out......


If you have dreamed of having boxes and boxes brimming with fashion inspiration in the form of sewing patterns, but cant seem to source them any longer (mid century patterns are getting rarer and more expensive), then never fear Vintage Pattern Wiki is here. All you will need is an abundance of time to while away the hours scrolling through this incredible online collection of practically every pattern produced.... looking forward to seeing all the wonderful fashion creations that emerge because of this amazing site.





And dont forget to check out the 'amusing pattern illustration' section for a bit of a laugh too !!!!



Happy summer fun everyone !!!

Guess Adds

I love Guess Adds !! Certian campaigns really do capture the glamour and feel of the 50's, and leave me breathless with inspiration !!! Guess Adds have proved the 'breaking ground' for a number of women who then went on to modeling superstardom - Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova, Anna Nicole Smith and Laetitia Casta to name a few. I was intrigued to read that Michael J Fox's costuming in one of my favourite films "Back to the Future" was entirely provided by the Guess company also. So here are a few of my favourite images from various campaigns for you to enjoy today - I do hope you are inspired too......