Update: Pinterest Boards and Polyvore

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I haven't been blogging much lately or thinking of ideas to blog, so I thought I might share some of the Polyvore sets and pinterest boards I have made recently. I hope you enjoy these and find some inspiration in there. 

               Follow Natalie's board Simply Timeless on Pinterest.    

               Follow Natalie's board WildestDreams on Pinterest.    

               Follow Natalie's board fascinators on Pinterest.    

               Follow Natalie's board Blue Eyeshadow on Pinterest.    

               Follow Natalie's board Bambi eyes on Pinterest.    

fashion board created using #polyvore
Posted by Quirky Vintage Blog on Thursday, 17 September 2015

style board created with #polyvore
Posted by Quirky Vintage Blog on Saturday, 19 September 2015

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Beauty Buys and Shameless Self Promotion

Pretty Please Check Out My Blog Darlings by quirkichik on Polyvore

Hi guys,

I am totally buggin. You know how you finally get what you want, but some people are just out to wreck it and they won't give up? Well, I feel a little that way lately. I am also totally stressing over a few things I need to get finished and that I want to do. Even though I've scheduled so many posts for Facebook I can see my likes slowly dropping off. Please do yourselves a favor and check out The Facebook Page if you like what you see here. I try and post at least twice a day.

I am also a bit beauty crazed (still) to the point where I am waiting on new releases to make orders. Yes, I am curious about the new range of Velveteens on it's way and I am pro-longing my next order for 'Crush Cosmetics' until then. I just did another order for Sleek and I did an order for E.L.F the other day... I keep questioning whether I should change the status of this blog to "Beauty Blog", but then that wouldn't be right. It never has been a true "Book Blog" even though I have introduced it a few times that way. Books were the reason I started blogging, but I have never ever secluded my blog to just one subject and still my blog is the same. I've just prioritised the beauty aspect a little more is all.

Keep hanging in there guys. I've got some cool posts coming up soon I promise.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Fairytale Style Crush: Snow White

Hair as black as night by quirkichik on Polyvore

Snow White seems to have become a bit of a "thing" lately, don't you think? There is a show called 'Once Upon a Time', a movie called 'Mirror Mirror', another movie called 'Snow White and The Huntsman and several fairytale retelling novels in the YA genre. At some point GHD had Katy Perry dressed as a 1920s Snow White and now Lime Crime has Doe Deere lapping up the candy red gloss in their new campaign for carousel gloss. I've also noticed that overall, Disney Fairy-tale characters seem to be making a bit of a fashion come-back. There are Disney couture jewels and charms as well as make-up palettes, t-shirts and perfumes. While I'm not always a slave to something that's in I do (and have always) adore(d) Snow White for her soft beauty and her style. Even if she is a fictional character.

HOW CAN THE STYLE BE TRANSLATED TO MODERN FASHION?
I think the main point of this post for me was to write about how we could all get a bit of snow-white in our look (if you want to that is) without looking like we're playing dress-ups. I think the addition of Mary Margaret to our television screens have definitely helped to modernize the look of Snow White as a character. I think that by embracing the colours often used for her costume, embracing certain textures or styles, trying out specific beauty looks and choosing the right accessories.

COLOUR PALETTE:
In most cases Snow White wears some pretty neutral colours (a whole lot of white) or she goes all out in bright blue, yellow and red. I think the safest option (especially if you are unsure about wearing too much colour) is to wear neutral shades (as shown in the bottom-right frame) with other brighter coloured accents. Those brighter colours could also be worn with pastel colours. The bottom-left square features colours that could be appropriate for lip-colour. (later on I will list a few examples of possible Snow White inspired outfits with examples of colours that could be worn together). 

colour pallette by quirkichik on Polyvore

TEXTURES AND STYLES:

While you don't want to get too era specific (walking around in long-gowns might be a little too weird) embracing some aspects of the garments worn in those times will help to create a fairytale-eque look. Some clothing articles inspired by the 50s or 60s would also look cute. This would be a more Mary Margaret style of dressing,though. A-line skirts, button up tops/dresses/skirts, double-breasted coats, peter-pan collars, "bib" tops (with ruffles and such at the front), puff-sleeve tops, peasant tops, embroidered or jewelled cardigans, ballet flats, brogues/oxfords, frilly socks and messenger bags are all items that could be mixed in with other items from your wardrobe. Textures appropriate to this style include velvet, chiffon, cotton, patent leather and lace. 

BEAUTY LOOKS:

Snow White is known for her beauty so I thought it appropriate to visit a possible list of beauty looks that could be incorporated into the complete look. A lip-colour in a shade of red, coral, plum or a dark vintage pink, as standout lips are signature snow-white trait. I don't think pale skin is necessary as Snow White is a natural beauty and I think that the beauty looks are more for emphasizing your natural beauty and natural "rosiness". A face powder and a rosy blusher would help to embrace this. A Bambi eye look could be created with neutral eye shadow colours, some top liner and a good mascara. 

As far as nails go, a french manicure or bare nails would be appropriate. For a night out or for something different some shimmery red, blue or gold nails would be striking.

Perfume should be sweet and subtle.

Hair isn't really an issue with this style, It doesn't matter which colour (for example Doe Deere has blonde hair) or which cut (for example Mary Margaret) you currently have. You could try waves, curls, a braided up-do, a bun or spiked pixie with this look...

JEWELLERY:

Any sort of metal would "go" okay with this look, but gold or gold-plated is probably the most accurate. Jewels of a simple or antiquated nature would especially be suitable. 

Image Source

OUTFIT EXAMPLES:

-A button-up beige dress, with a light-green cardigan (embroidered with yellow flowers around the neck), fawn coloured velvet (or suede) flats and a coral lipstick.

-A white shirt with a black collar, a red skirt, either red or black shoes, dark red lipstick and an old-fashioned charm bracelet.

-A Cobalt Blue peasant top, dark-grey or brown trousers, brogues, plum lipstick and pearl earrings.

I hope you enjoyed my post!

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Small Haul and Update (As Promised)

 

This fortnight I got one book for my kindle which the author emailed to me. It seems that the number of books incoming matches the amount of reading I'm achieving of late...

 

FOR REVIEW:

 

'No Alternative' by William Dickerson

-I hardly ever accept review copies from people who email me directly, but thought this one sounded promising.

 

I also got a CD:

'So Frenchy So Chic 2010' - A compilation of songs from the french film festival in 2010

 

And a DVD:

Charmed Season 1

 



I spent the majority of the week doing anything, but reading. I usually try and get some reading done in my lunch break at work, but I didn't even manage that. And, in my time off I've been watching charmed (finished the whole first season and ordered the other ones already), playing my guitar (which used to be my sister's) and recommending music to my friend.

 

 

So far I'm loving charmed. It's quite strange that I do, because I always thought the show would be a bit lame. As far as special effects go it is a bit lame, but I adore the characters and the storyline isn't too bad. I think it's the sort of thing you have to not take too seriously. If the rest of the series is as good I may even decide to pick up season 9 and season 10 for a read (only 8 seasons were filmed, 9 and 10 are graphic novels).

 

I absolutely adore the old house and think that each character is cool in their own way. My favourite character would have to be Piper. Andy was pretty cool too, but sadly he didn't stay in the show long. I'm also loving that the first season is so old; the soundtrack is great!

 

Cover Page for my song book by quirkichik on Polyvore

 

I also managed to accumulate a guitar a little while ago that my sister no longer wanted and after discovering a few May Jailer and Lizzy Grant (both are actually Lana Del Rey) tunes on youtube I felt inspired to play/write songs. I then had the drama of trying to tune it because it was so out-of tune. I eventually ended up ordering a guitar tuner from Jb-Hi Fi which was surprisingly easy to use.

 

I also made a pretty songbook cover using Polyvore (pictured above) and printed out a few different chord diagrams and free songs from a website that was suggested by an old work mate. With the help of a few facebook friends and my sister, I learned/remembered how to read/play some chords. The songs I've attempted so far:

 

-'Primmadonna' by Marina and The Diamonds

-'Bang Bang' by Nancy Sinatra

-'Breaking Up The Girl' by Garbage

-'Never Let Me Go' by Florence and The Machine

-'Black Balloon' by The Kills

-'Lady' by Regina Spektor

-'Wicked Games' by Chris Isaack

-'Hard to Explain' by The Strokes

 

How was your week?

 

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

DIY Cover Picture for Facebook Timeline

Those who follow the blog's Facebook page may have noticed a knew timeline picture (pictured above). I came up with the idea to create one using Polyvore after seeing many collage cover pictures generated by apps on personal facebook pages. I thought: "I wonder if Goodreads has an app like this?" If they did have one I still haven't found it. And then, I remembered that I used to make little pictures for my blog (still do) for segments and such, and why didn't I just make a cover picture using polyvore. Even better, why didn't I make a template so other people could use it and I could make a new one when I got sick of the one I just made?

HOW IT WORKS:
It's actually pretty simple. I created a template on Polyvore.com (via Create>Template) which I published with instructions on how I recommend the template to be used. I then filled out the template (via Create>Set) and found the template (via Templates>My Templates), filled it out, published it and used the 'Snipper Tool' (Which most modern computers have). I highlighted the area I wanted to save as an Image, saved it and then went on to facebook and uploaded a new cover image.

If you are using a template created by someone else you will need to visit a set of that template (a filled out template someone has published) and click on the miniature image of the template below the set. You will be taken to a screen with an empty image of the template and will need to click on the option to "Fill this template". I have created a collection of sets (Click Here) that I have made using different timeline templates. To access the template click on the set (the template filled out) that you most desire and follow the instructions at the beginning of this paragraph.

FILLING OUT YOUR TEMPLATE:
-The template can be filled out using images from 'My Items' or from the polyvore search engine. Select the image you want and drag it over to the placeholder you would like to put it into. Once the placeholder is highlighted orange drop the image.

-To find the item you want be sure to use the right keywords. For example if you are looking for a galaxy background image be sure to search "galaxy background", because "galaxy" will land you with a heap of really pretty star splattered skirts.

-To add items to 'My Items' so that you have them for later you can click on the image you want (In the right sidebar only; don't click on images in the template) and a few options will come up. One of them should be 'Save to my Items'. If you want to add images to Polyvore that aren't there already you can install the Polyvore Clipper which allows you to download images from your favourite Tumblrs and blogs.

-If you are having any issues with your image not looking right in the template you can:

• Move it around within the placeholder, by clicking on the image (not letting go of the button on the mouse) and move the mouse until your image is in the desired spot.
• Make the image smaller or larger using the slider thing (that looks kinda like a volume adjustment thingy) at the top of the page.
• Flop or flip the image using the buttons up the top of the page
• Take away the background of the image or add the background of the image. There are two squares next to the slider thing.
• "Fit" the image. Which really just means that the biggest part of the image (length or width) does not exceed the placeholder.
• Remove the image and add a new one.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN MAKING A TEMPLATE:
I'm not going to explain how to make a template. If you are a polyvore wiz you'll know all about it. If not it's probably easier for you to use someone else's template. If you're still interested check out Polyvore Help center: How to create a template . It's not the best explanations, but like somethings, making templates is a bit of learn as you go/ trial and error.

-When making a template you really want to get the size right. You want a cover picture that isn't cut off by facebook, because it isn't the right size. To get this right I like to search for 'Timeline' in the search engine and use one of the facebook timeline images that comes up as a stencil for the background colour or place holder (and then I delete the initial image I used). Be sure that the image you found in the search engine is the right size. some of them can be a little bit "tall".

-Remember that your profile picture will cover up part of the bottom left hand corner.

-Remember that the images will get zoomed in when the cover picture is uploaded to facebook, so don't be afraid to make them a little bit smaller.

-You can't type text to use when filling out the template. You can only type text when you are creating it. If you want to be able to choose song lyrics or quotes you  might be lucky to find image versions through the search engine. If not, you could create image versions to upload onto Tumblr and upload them onto Polyvore using the Polyvore Clipper.

STILL CONFUSED?
Polyvore is a site used to create fashion/art/interior design layouts called 'Sets'. 'Templates' can be made so that people can fill them out to make 'Sets' instead of starting from scratch. I designed some special 'Templates' for facebook timeline. I made a cover picture by filling out the template, publishing it, using the snipper tool (you should have one in your computer) to save the set onto  my computer and uploaded it to facebook.

Here's one I made for my personal facebook page:

The Picture on the bottom left corner (The hand holding the stick, pointing at the moon) was mostly covered up by the profile picture. You can see a bigger version of this timeline on polyvore (via the link to the collection higher up in this post)

If you have found or made any new Timeline Templates (Templates, not sets) could you please leave a link in the comments so I can add it to my collection?

I've noticed a few Polyvorians that normally don't "Like" sets of trivial stuff have been liking these timeline sets I've been publishing, And, people have been liking the ones I've published to facebook. Which seems unusual. So, I'm guessing it's a decent sort of idea? We'll see...

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Comfort Meets Class

Comfort Meets Class by quirkichik featuring a long cardigan

It's been kinda cold in Australia at the moment. That, and surprisingly rainy. Still not having found a job - I've been wearing my own clothes (as in not ones I allocated for specific work use) whilst doing things like laying in bed reading, sitting on the couch with my laptop, playing some air guitar in my room and painting. So I've had some kind of dilemma. I've decided that I want to dress nicely in case I have to go somewhere with my mum, but I don't want to dress too uncomfortably, because I'm most likely going to be spending the day inside, rugged up in bed, reading. And, then I thought, like the little girl in the taco ad "Why not have both?" and I think I found a way to look good and feel comfortable.

Why should we have to sacrifice comfort for the sake of a good appearance. When you think about it some of the most elegant, beautiful people in the world aren't fidgeting  with their skirt or adjusting their straps. It's all about simplicity and the smile you've got on your face. With some smart styling and a few accesories comfort is class.

Obviously, everyone's Idea of comfort differs. I like clothing items that aren't too clingy and that I don't have to fidget with. I'm a bit of a skirt person. And, I don't like anything that hugs my hips too tightly because I get sore hips and clothing that is too tight only makes it worse.

Some of these ideas came from my recent infatuation with Tumblr and some of the very beautiful, yet comfortable looking models in some of the pictures.

For those in a similar predicament (and a similar idea of comfort) here are some ideas:

OUTFIT IDEAS:

-Loose top (not tucked in) worn with gathered skirt, cardigan and stockings: Believe it or not I find stockings to be extremely comfortable and classy looking. This outfit is most like the one in the Polyvore set above.

-A Loose long sleeved shirt or knitted sweater and jeans (or leggings depending on the length of the shirt/sweater and a nice necklace

-A dress with either tights or leggings and an open long sleeve shirt or cardigan. Got this idea from an outfit that Lanie (charcter) wears in 'She's All That'. She wore a summer dress with a short sleved button up shirt worn over the top.

-Sweater (Not too long), ruffled skirt and stockings.

TIPS FOR EXTRA COMFORT:

-Make sure when buying stockings that you've bought the size closest to the biggest  measurement (weight or height). According to my mum's height she only needs a Small or Medium in stockings, but her weight suggests she needs a Large. I'm only light, but because of my height I am supposed to wear Large. Now I just purchase extra-large, because I like that the stockings feel thicker and aren't trying as hard to stretch over my legs.

-When purchasing a top or Jumper, don't be afraid to go a size bigger or go to the men's section. However, be sure that the top fits loosely stylish, rather than loosely fits like a sack.

-The More Gathered the better when it comes to choosing a skirt.

-Go for fabrics that feel nice against your skin. I've been avoiding jeans because of this.

-If you are wearing stockings around the house and don't want to wreck your floor with shoes or wreck your stockings with the floor, you could wear slippers.

TIPS FOR EXTRA CLASS:

-A nice necklace, hair accessory or pair of earrings never goes unnoticed. Don't go over the top though.

-A bit of eyeliner or lipstick never hurt anybody.

-A pair of dressy brogues or ballet flats can add class to any outfit.

-A belt or ribbon can be used to create a "waist" in a baggy shirt or dress.

FOR THE DARING:

-Thigh High Stockings/ High Socks.

-Patterned/Coloured tights

DIY IDEAS:

-A Button up high waisted skirt can be created using an old men's shirt, some spare material and some elastic. Cut off the collar and sleeves, Create a waist band and line the inside with the spare material and voila! If you have a petti-coat you could skip the lining part.

-A loose fitting shirt can be created by using another shirt as a pattern. Lay the shirt flat on the chosen fabric, trace the outline and cut out two identical sides. Sew the pieces together at the sides.

-If you've got a Smock style top with the elastic at the bottom you can cut off the elastic and sew a new hem to create a new shape.

-If your stockings are too small cut them off at the thighs to create knee length socks (They loose some of their stretch once they have been cropped) or, cut off the toes to create footless tights. Be careful which tights you do this with as the fancier fishnet or knitted ones may unravel once cut.

-A Tube scarf is a way to save on wool and time. They also look pretty snazzy. Knit or crochet the scarf until it is the length that you can put it over your head if the two ends were joined. Cast off and sew the ends together. This idea works well for patterns with some gather in them.

So what do you think? The first outfit idea is my favourite. It feels kind of like a modernised school uniform. I'm still not too sure about the painting. I'm either going to have to be really careful or I'm going to need to allicate daggier versions of this outfit for painting days (which is like, every day...)

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

DIY PAPER DOLLIES!

YAY! My first attempt at a crafting tutorial!

What we have here is my version of a hand made paper doll. It's not the sort of paper doll you can change clothes on -however, you might be able to make one that does that if you are crafty enough- these are more permanent impressions of paper dolls inspired by Polyvore's interpretation of paper dolls and a book called 'Artful Paper Dolls' by Terry Taylor.

The Paper dolls on Polyvore consist of digitally cropped pictures of models, celebrities and garments that form the shape of a model. It's another way to present a concept or express yourself on polyvore and has become quite a popular method of doing so. The link (Polyvore underlined above) will send you to my Polyvore collection of paper dolls that I've made using the polyvore method.

The ones featured in Terry Taylor's book vary largely. I prefer the ones fashioned from old magazines, newspapers and brochures. In a way I'm combining the two versions to make my own sort of paper dolls. They are more modern and up market than Terry Taylor's, but more crafty than Polyvore's. I hope you enjoy my tutorial!

What you'll Need:
THE NECCESSITIES:
-Scissors
-Glue
-Magazines (Old ones. Please don't go murdering your latest Vogue or Frankie mags on my account)
-Paper (for Backing)

BONUS MATERIALS:
You don't need them, but these items are things you can add to your creative stock pile for decorative purposes.
-glitter glue
-paint
-Lead pencil and eraser (helpful if you are drawing your own dress for your collage fashion victim.)
-Coloured pencils/gel pens/ sharpies
-Cardstock or patterned paper
-lace/ribbons
-buttons
-sequins, beads feathers....

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Go through your magazines and cut out anything that you would like to use for your paperdoll

Things like:
-legs
-arms
-dresses (Or other clothing items)
-heads
-shoulders/neck (Depends on the design of the clothes and whether or not the head has a neck attatched.)

Also, If you want to design the doll's dress you could cut out any thing you require for that. Ideas, pages with large sections of pattern(like advertisements), Pictures of things like gemstones or lace trimmings.

Tips:
-You don't have to trim super close to the limbs. a hairline width of background colour shouldn't kill your creation. Cutting too close to the limbs can cause your doll to suddenly lose weight (which will make her look super alien, because models are already quite thin)

-Don't discard limbs too quickly when you are debating whether or not to cut them out. Especially arms, these seem to be hard to come by.

-If you have somewhere to store them and some spare time on your hands, why not cut out some doll parts for later. That way when you want to make another paper doll you don't have to go looking for limbs. You can just take your idea and run with it.

2. Group the "doll parts". Spread them out on a large flat surface and have a bit of a play around. Figure out which ones you think go together.

You don't need the pieces to be proportionally correct, but do be warned a large head on a small body isn't going to give your doll a "realistic" look. Same goes for skin tone. It doesn't have to be a perfect match, but try and get it as close as you can.

3. For those that are creating doll that wears a "Ready to wear" dress (Ahem, dress cut straight out of a magazine) step three involves placing your items down on the page the way you would like to glue them. Checking that you like the arrangement, that nothing needs to be trimmed and deciding on any other decorations. Once happy you can then glue your design into place and decorate. Some decorations may want to wait until after the glue is dry.

FOR THOSE DESIGNING THE OUTFIT:
- Be sure to use your doll parts (especially the shoulders) as a guide for the garments. I did this by tracing around the outline of the trimmed pieces. I also used a picture of a proportionally correct body as a guide for the outfit. Another way to trace involves turning the picture upside down and colouring it in with lead pencil. To transfer the image place the picture right side up on top of the desired paper and trace over the outlines in a sharp pencil or a pen. (You may not want to do this with your doll parts, because it can leave marks, but it is a good way to trace the bust, hips and waist of a model.)
- Go crazy, there's no right way to design a paper doll's dress!

THE END RESULT:

I jazzed it up with some glitter glue and a ribbon. I'm calling it "Marianne at the Masquerade".

OTHER ONES I'VE MADE:

 -The first paper doll I made

 ^ The dress was made with scrapbooking paper and lace

 ^The top and skirt were made with card stock and details were done with pencil. The shawl and trim were made of lace.

^I cut this one out like a proper paperdoll. I made the dress using patterned cut-outs from larger pictures in magazines.

So what did you think?

All this talking about dolls and limbs makes me think about that "Doll Parts" song by Hole.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Get Some Funk in Your Step

FIVE MINUTE FLAIR:
Five things you can do in five minutes (each) to update your look.

1) Change the way your hair is parted
2) Put on lipstick
3) add a belt (not for babydoll styles) or a simple ribbon tied around the waist.
4) change your earrings
5) Minimalism and layering: Try removing any unnecessary layers for a minimalist look or try adding another layer (hosiery etc) if your look is too plain.

COLOUR COORDINATION:
Some interesting colour ideas and how you can use them in your wardrobe

SORBET:
One Fluorescent colour matched with  whites, creams, greys and pastels.

Looks good with:
-Belts
-Tailored and well cut items
-Chiffon, Satin and cotton
-Blouses
-Point toed shoes or sandals

PEACOCK:
Teals, Dark Blues and Purples worn with animal print

How to wear it:
-choose one dark colour and wear with an animal print
-with metallic items
-Dark Blue and Purple worn together

NIGHT TIME:
BLack, Navy, Grey, Gold and Silver

Looks good with:
-Leather and lace fabrics
-Opaques tights or stockings
-Heels and Wedges
-Chunky Jewelley

CAMEL COLOUR
beige, caramel and mustard colours

Wear with:
-sunset colours: Maroon, Tangerine, Brown
-greys, navys, blacks, very dark purples
-olive greens and cherry red

Songs to put some funk in your step(and your ears):
1) Hang me up to dry - Cold War Kids
2) Do Wah Do - Kate Nash
3) Juice box - The strokes
4) Zero - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5) Kiss with a fist- Florence and the machine
6) Can't shake it- Kate Miller-heidke
7) Sunday Morning- No doubt
8) Baby did a bad thing- Chris Isaak
9) In the sun- She and him
10) Cherry lips - Garbage

Try something new:
-Put Mascara on your lower lash line (only). You can enhance the effect by using light eyeshadow underneath and blending  into natural skin tone.
-Wear a long-sleeved  blouse as a blazer. Chiffon ones work well in warmer weather and thicker ones work well in autumn.
-Wear a ribbon as a necklace. like marie antoinette did.
-Lace ankle socks with heals

Brooch is the new Black

Here are some ideas for your brooches

Fresh-faced by quirkichik on Polyvore.com

SO I recently saw n a college fashion website that there are some great ways to reinvent a blazer that is perhaps too large for the wearer. You can try this with shirts or dresses as well. The idea is to pin the back with a brooch a quick one step innovation and the brooches can be changed to create different looks. Above is a polyvore set i made using heaps of brooches. also there is anothe reinvention method if you are interested.
Click Here for article.

Also included in the items list under the set is Ericka Domesek's "P.s. I made this" which has plenty of ideas like the one above. One of these ideas is to pin a brooch onto some faux pearl necklaces Audrey Hepburn StyleClick Here to see the site.

You can also use your brooches to:

• pin a scarf in place
• Pin a necklace to a top
• pin onto your earrings for a new look
• pin onto a hair pin
• pin your head band or head scarf
• coverup an ugly belt buckle
• pin a crochet collar or beanie
• decorate your socks or mary-jane shoes.

A Little bit of Polyvore

  I thought i'd publish one of the sets i am most proud of:

The substitute and her paper dolls by quirkichik on Polyvore.com