A few things that I've learned: Beauty/Style Advice

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When it comes to dressing up I like to think I know a thing or two. After numerous dance classes, watching way too many videos on Beautytube (Otherwise known as Youtube) ,And reading several blog posts and books on the subject of Style/Beauty I feel like I have definitely learned a few things. I'm not a professional anything, I'm not a professor of style, I have not taken part in any hairdressing or make-up courses... I am simply a girl with a few tips (some which you may have heard before) that I want to share with you all.

These tips are not specifically for the Vintage sub-culture, however I think these tips can be useful to anyone who is interested in Beauty or Fashion to some extent. I feel like in some ways beauty enthusiasts and Vintage enthusiasts do have a lot in common and use a lot of the same kinds of products and techniques. I hope regardless of who you are, that you can take something from this post.

The pictures I have included in this don't line up with any of the points I have made, they are simply just there to look pretty...

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1. BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO WINGED EYELINER:

I have to admit I am not great at winged eyeliner. I do not believe that it is integral to a vintage look, but I do like the way it gives the appearance of larger eyes and I think it can really make a statement. While I have improved since writing this blog post I still feel like gel eyeliner is definitely the best way to go if you are not confident with creating winged looks. The formula feels less "wet" and it's not as messy. Also, I think having a look at different winged styles to try out is a good idea. I prefer a thick line with a small triangle-type wing, but I have seen a lot of different styles. Some styles are more flattering on different shaped eyes and some are a lot easier than others. Also, you don't have to wear black. There are a lot of really nice blues and browns to try out which are definitely a little more subtle.

2. DUPES and REVIEWS

If you don't like wasting your money on expensive products that you end up not liking, then I strongly suggest you do two things before you click "buy". Firstly look for cheaper dupes of the product online. This basically means that other bloggers and beauty enthusiasts have found products by other brands that give a similar result and/or colour as the product you are interested in. Secondly, I recommend looking up reviews for items so you can decide if it's for you. The only problem I have with review sites like 'Make-up Alley' is that reviewers don't always have the same skin concerns/allergies and not everyone understands how to use a specific product. I prefer to find bloggers that I generally agree with (that like the same products I like) and scour through their archives.

3. REMOVE YOUR MAKE-UP and WASH YOUR BRUSHES

I know most bloggers are really vocal about these two things, but IT'S SO TRUE! I recently read that a survey conducted with 1000 women in Australia had asked the question "Do you always remove your Make-up before bed" and 80% said "no". Now I know this is only a survey of 1000 people and I know that it was "not always", but regardless I think that is shocking and gross. Even if you are feeling really tired it doesn't take long to use a make-up remover wipe before you hit the sheets. A make-up remover wipe is generally not enough to remove ALL of the make-up, but it's better than nothing. I usually cleanse my face really well afterwards... Also, cleaning your brushes regularly if you wear make-up daily (fortnighly or monthly) is a good idea. It is better for your skin and you will be surprised how much better your make-up brushes work after you have washed them.

4. TRANSITION SHADES and LAYERING PRODUCTS

If you want to have a flawless eye make-up look one #lifehack is to find a shade somewhere between the crease colour and the base/brow-bone shade (depending on the look) to apply before the crease colour goes on. This makes blending so much easier.  Also, it might seem a little ridiculous to watch a make-up tutorial where the guru uses ridiculous amounts of products, but sometimes layering products is actually really helpful to help you get the look you want. For example a pigmented matte blush and a shimmery sheer blush worn together. This is also great if you are trying to make a colour you don't have.

5. LONG LASTING MAKE-UP

I have heard a lot of tips over the years for making make-up last, but I feel like nothing beats a good quality primer, eye primer and translucent powder. I find that the make-up sprays I tried were too watery and wrecked my make-up before sweat ever could. And, while the suggestion of hairspray possibly could work, I could never attempt it as I usually end up in coughing fits, I hate the way hairspray makes everything stiff/sticky and I also think that it can clog your pores up a bit!

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6. FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

While some suggestions for different skin types are accurate, not all skin types are the same. For example I have an issue with blemishes and most of the "blemish fighting" products at the local super market contain sacylicic acid which actually makes me break out more. I think this has something to do with my skin also being sensitive... I also find it really annoying when beauty bloggers with dry skin do a review on a product and say it doesn't need a primer or powder. For them this may be the case, but I have oily eye-lids and I have tried that cream eyeshadow and it definitely does crease. So definitely take reviews with a grain of salt and experiment a little bit to not only find what suits you, but how well it lasts.

7. MOST SHAPE AND COLOUR GUIDES ARE A JOKE:

I have read quite a few "guides" from different eras and the suggestions they provide you with are all based on the style at the time. In one guide someone with an oval face is told one thing and in another guide the style favours large foreheads and the suggested style is different. Also, these guides don't tend to take hair type, eye shape, nose, mouth ears or anything else into consideration. The same way a colour guide may only take skin colour, but not hair colour or eye colour into consideration. I have always found it difficult to figure out what face shape and skin undertone I have and I have just found it to be a lot easier to try things out for myself. I also think you should stick with what you like. Life is short and there are ways around getting something to suit you (like only wearing that colour on your bottom half, so it doesn't wash you out).

8. WARM and COLD nails

I've got to be honest, I don't really care for undertones and the rules regarding them. I have pale yellow/green looking skin and I have a lot of nail polish in a bunch of colours and not all of it is going to be flattering... I find that some of the more bright yellowy-colours make my skin look tan, while dark Reds and Blue-toned colours make my skin look really pale. I don't care either way, however, I do think you should be careful when mixing warm and cold colours in one manicure as it can look a bit funky...

9. BLUE and DENIM

I really like blue so I am probably a little biased, but I honestly think that blue (especially muted blues and navy) is pretty much a basic/neutral colour. I honestly believe that certain shades of blue can go with almost anything and that you definitely have an excuse to add it to your outfit if you are wearing denim because some shades of blue and denim just work...

10. GET A PINTEREST ACCOUNT

If you haven't already I highly recommend pinterest. Pinterest allows you to follow other people who post rad things, to save inspiration to boards, to find beauty dupes, to find great buys... It's basically a search engine with everything and you can save stuff. It's also great for all your other hobbies, for recipes, for something to laugh at... Just do it, and next time you have a Halloween costume dilemma or are looking for a new haircut, this site will be there to help you.

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I know that I only shared 10 tips and that you might have read/heard them from me or someone else before, but I think they are stellar tips to know. If you want to see more Beauty/Style tips on the blog please let me know in the comments. Also feel free to share any Beauty/Style tips that you know.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Vintage (Style) Can Be Appropriate

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If you spend a bit of time looking at Vintage Enthusiast Blogs or Facebook pages it doesn't take long to come across a statement or comment by someone who wants to wear vintage, but doesn't have the confidence. I have also read many blog posts by gals who wear vintage daily (usually written around the time of their birthday) where they doubt their ability to pull off vintage style clothes because of their age. Put those instances together with all of the other assumptions made about vintage wearers ("It must take you so long to get ready in the morning", "Your wardrobe must have been so expensive", "You must have the best figure" and "You must be able to apply winged eyeliner flawlessly") and it makes vintage fashions seem like the most inappropriate garments ever designed. In my opinion the truth is quite the opposite. Vintage style isn't just Pin-ups and Poodle skirts (not that there is anything wrong with that).

I often think that people forget about the classic vintage looks that are quite wearable by normal standards even today. Bloggers and other Vintage Enthusiasts want to experiment with their style and are often quite comfortable with bold designs, unusual (for the current era) stylings and brighter colours. I have no qualms with this fact and I think that if you want to (regardless of the sub-culture) you can dress however your heart desires. However, for those who are a little unsure about vintage fashion for whatever reason, I want to inform you; yes you can wear vintage styles without looking too out-of-place. 

In some cases I think that some of the more classic, timeless pieces that have survived the previous decades can be the most appropriate and the most flattering regardless of age, size or occasion. A little black dress for example, can take many forms and therefore be flattering on different ages and sizes. It can also be dressed-up or down to suit any occasion from a low-key dinner, to a more formal event. Making use of classic time-less pieces and a few other tricks means can also help to save money and time.

In this post I wanted to talk about vintage style for all ages and sizes, Vintage style in the work place, And how to take a softer approach to vintage if you are interested in trying out the style. This post will mostly focus on that last part as I want to show some simple and cost effective ideas for those who want to add a bit of vintage flair to their wardrobe. I am also hoping that some of these ideas may also be useful to those who are fluent in vintage style (aka those who wear it all the time and probably know way more than I do) for creating outfits for more relaxed occasions or for dressing with vintage flair on a rushed day.

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VINTAGE FOR ALL AGES:

I honestly believe that vintage style clothing can be appropriate for all ages. I say "Can Be" because like most fashions there are usually exceptions to certain styles for certain body types or age brackets. For example: I would not suggest a Marylin style halter neck dress for any one over the age of 50 at least, and I also wouldn't suggest that style for anyone under the age of 16. I think the main concern is coming from the 30-40 age bracket who already wear vintage clothing and aren't sure if they should continue. I say go for it! You might not feel as confident in some of the shorter hemlines or funky patterns, but I honestly don't think that you should have to change your style completely  (if at all). Wear what you are comfortable in, but don't stop wearing your favourite style if you don't want to. There are always ways around shorter hemlines (such as leggings or opaque tights) and if you feel that bright colours or patterns are too much, then try sticking to one bright statement piece or looking for similar pieces in more flattering colours.

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VINTAGE FOR ALL SIZES:

Again with the exceptions, not all styles will be flattering on everyone, however I honestly believe that vintage fashions can be more flattering on a larger range of body types than some of the more modern styles. Some modern interpretations of vintage styles are quite loose smock - style dresses that are belted at the waist to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. If you are not really sure about what suits you I would suggest trying on some clothes in front of someone you know you can trust to tell you what looks good on. I would also suggest looking through Pinterest at some of the different eras of fashion and different fashion icons for ideas. You might be really surprised what styles are actually flattering for your body.

These Icons don't have to be authentic 50s ladies either. Women like Sofia Coppola, Taylor Swift, Zooey Deschanel, Lauren Conrad, Anne Hathaway, Kate Middleton and Lana Del Rey are sometimes seen sporting vintage-inspired looks. Because these are modern women, you can also see how the styles have been adapted to suit this decade.

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VINTAGE - A SOFTER APPROACH:

If you want to try out vintage style and you are not confident with some of the bigger and bolder designs made by Vintage Reproduction companies then this is for you. While these things don't scare me (but hey I wore purple lipstick to the super market once) I find the prices a little daunting and I don't own a lot of that sort of thing for that reason. I don't believe that you have to spend a lot of money to get the classic look and think you will be surprised where you can sometimes find decent clothes. Here is Post About Saving Money On Style that I wrote a little while ago. I have since discovered that most of the clothes I own fall under the 'Vintage Appropriate' category. I'm not going to call it that in this post because I think the two different uses of the word Appropriate makes it a little confusing. To learn the different categories I suggest watching this video by Jessica from Chronically Vintage. 

I think the best way to "Try Out" vintage style would be to look for wearable classic items to mix in with what you already have. You may have some of these things in your wardrobe already. Not all of these items are necessary and some of the more basic items should be pretty common in department stores. Most of these items will be helpful for creating a casual look (read further down for work wear and special occasion suggestions). If you aren't confident wearing full-on authentic vintage looks or pin-up looks I suggest skipping petti-coats, bullet bras, pin curls and gloves. Start of with the basics first.

Items to Look out for:

- Striped tops/sweaters

These have been very popular throughout the years. Especially with Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn.

- Basic singlets and T Shirts.

Great for layering or for wearing with a summer skirt.

- Plain Cardigans (especially if they finnish at the waist)

Long sleeves are great for winter and shorter sleeves are great for spring.

-Boat neck and crew neck sweaters

Will look great layered with peter pan collars or with pearls.

-Tops with collar, bow, bib and/or button detail

a little bit of detail goes a long way.

-Peplum tops and tops that finish at the waist.

-A blazer and a coat.

Timeless and much needed in cooler months

-Leggings/Skinny Jeans

For wearing with Tunics.

-Straight leg/flaired High-waist pants/jeans.

Great for a 1940s look.

-High waisted shorts.

If you are confident wearing them.

-Knee length to Maxi Length skirts in styles that flatter your body (especially if they are high waisted)

Great for a variety of looks. Unfortunately in this day and age it can be quite difficult to find a nice knee-length or three quarter length skirt without paying too much money. I have resorted to online shopping and op-shops to provide me with skirts of those lengths.

-Shirt dresses or Wrap dresses.

Are very practical garments to own.

-Dresses that come in at the waist.

To emphasize or create the illusion of a waist.

-A little black dress.

Everyone should own one.

-Waist Belts

For creating the illusion of a 1950s waist.

-Scarves

For a hint of colour or pattern.

-Ballet flats

Practical and Elegant, though some cheaper brands only sell these in canvas or faux suede which isn't really practical for rainy days or dirt...

-Low Heels/Wedges

-Moccasins, Brogues and Oxfords

- A Satchel bag or other Timeless style for everyday use

A vintage style handbag is the perfect way to pull your look together.

-A nice Clutch

For evenings out.

-Vintage inspired sunglasses or glasses

-Pearl Jewelry.

If it's good enough for Coco it's good enough for me.

-Knot earrings and other stud earrings.

These were very popular as they were suitable for most hair lengths and they don't look too OTT. 

-Brooches

Can add a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Colours and Textures to look for:

In my honest opinion the best colours to go for a nautical colours, neutral colours and colours that you like. Colours like camel, navy, grey, cream, white and black will go with most peoples wardrobes. These are also colours that will make you stand out less and that will make putting an outfit together seem less daunting. If you wear a lot of green then you can buy green things if you want. The idea is to be able to use what you already have as well.

As far as textures go I'd say whatever is comfortable. It doesn't matter too much. I think lace is really pretty but some people find that it makes them itch and some people don't like the complex and feminine patterns. This will also be a budget thing. 

It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for leopard print, floral and polka dot fabrics. Again this is your wardrobe so if you don't like spots or florals then you don't need to buy them. I have seen a lot of checkered and cherry prints worn in the pin-up style, but these two prints can be a bit bright and they can attract attention. Black/white and brown monochrome checkered prints are a more neutral version if you want to try out that print.

Incorporating Timeless pieces with your own wardrobe:

I just wanted to give a few brief outfit ideas (though there will be plenty of pictures later on in this post) that  could be created with timeless pieces. As I mentioned earlier you might want to think about looking at pictures of how modern style icons incorporate vintage inspired garments into their look. Most of these outfit ideas fall under the "casual" category.

-Over sized button up blouse worn with skinny jeans/leggings, belted in at the waist, headscarf, blingy earrings of choice and flat lace up shoes.

-Stripey sweater/shirt worn with your favourite pair of jeans, a pearl necklace, stud earrings and ballet flats.

-High-waisted shorts with a fitted singlet top worn underneath, vintage style sunnies of choice, bangles and sandals.

-Printed/slogan T-shirt tucked into a long skirt (worn on the waist), with low heels or flats of preferred style and a brooch pinned to the shirt.

-A vintage style dress of choice worn with stockings of choice, closed toe shoes  a small pendant necklace.

If these ideas are still too wild for you then I suggest taking the Coco Chanel approach and removing an accessory from the outfit. You could also choose to just wear one vintage inspired piece or to wear vintage inspired accessories with modern garments. One of my favourite ideas is to belt your waist when you are wearing clothes that don't really have a shape or to wear clothes with longer hemlines. 

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VINTAGE AT WORK:

A lot of "casual" clothes from the 1950's are a lot like office clothes today. A button-up shirt, tucked into a nice skirt, closed in shoes and maybe a few small accessories. I can't say for sure what I think would be a good idea for the workplace because I don't know what kind of job you have. If you work in a retail business you might be required to wear trendy clothes, clothes that are sold by that business, or a uniform shirt paired with black bottoms. Office or business style jobs usually require a modest, yet practical blouse and skirt combo, Or a uniform top and skirt of choice. For women in more industrial or rural workplaces uniforms are more about safety and practicality. Jeans teamed with a Polo shirt or high-visibility long sleeved shirt. 

I think the best (and most practical) way to incorporate a vintage look into your work outfit is to:

- Wear flattering skirts or trousers with your uniform top.

(again this is not always easy to accomplish on a budget)

- Wear classic jewelry whilst keeping it to a minimum.

- A vintage inspired handbag, sunglasses and shoes.

VINTAGE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION:

I think one of the things that stands out for me with vintage style evening gowns is the subtle details. The dresses are usually quite simple in design, modestly cut and made out of pretty fabrics. Small details like lace trims/overlays, small sections of beading or bow/flower applique. If you are not used to wearing vintage inspired styles I recommend going for a shape and colour you are confident in, that has a simple design and pairing it with minimal accessories. 

A few things to remember:

-Modesty is important especially if you want to be comfortable at the event. A reasonable length hemline, suitable undergarments, undergarments that aren't visible, a reasonable neckline etc. Here is a post I wrote about wearing suitable undergarments.

-While there are plenty of amazing 1950s (and earlier) styles with amazing detail and numerous features, sometimes the most graceful choices are the plainer ones. 

-Heel height is required to be comfortable. While you may want to wear strappy high heels there are plenty of designs out there that are more comfortable and suit the vintage look.

- If you can't find a vintage-inspired dress you can wear a dressy skirt and top combo or pair a modern dress with vintage style accessories and hairstyle.

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HAIR AND MAKE-UP:

Vintage inspired looks don't have to be accompanied by liquid eyeliner and victory rolls to be complete. While I love these kinds of make-up and hair looks they can take a fair bit of effort, talent and time to create, which isn't always practical. Read on and I will list some ideas for time-effective hair and make-up that will complete your look.

Make-up:

- If you don't have a lot of money to spend on make-up and hair stuff I suggest reading this: Blog post.

- I like this toned down make-up look by Lisa Freemont Street: Video here

- I strongly suggest picking up a copy of Retro Make-up by Lauren Rennells.

- I think it's up to you and what features you want to accentuate. If I don't want to wear make-up I will usually wear lipstick alone. On a typical work day there is usually a little bit of eye shadow in a natural colour, brow definition, some face powder, lipstick and clear mascara. Keep in mind that I am kind of addicted to make-up... You save a lot of time once you take blending foundation in, Or applying liquid liner out of the equation.

-I also recommend trying out different kinds of eyeliner if you really want to master the winged look.

Hair:

-You could pull your hair up into an Audrey Hepburn style pony-tail.

-Pull it back into a head-scarf or hairband.

-Wear it half-up like Brigette

-Get a flattering haircut and wear it out

-Clip front section back with a retro style barrette.

-Wear it in a low bun.

-There are also these videos by Esme and the Laneway and  Retro Chick.

AND NOW FOR THE PHOTOS....

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If you want to look at some more of the modern style outfits I suggest using keywords like "preppy", "romantic" and "mod". I know I didn't use a lot of older or larger examples here and I am sorry, but I honestly think it's up to the individual and what they feel comfortable in. I wasn't really successful at finding  images for this on Pinterest, but maybe you might have a style icon that fits the description who wears a softer vintage look well?

Basically where I was going with this whole post was to help out people who want to try out vintage looks (or anyone who wants to tone down their usual vintage look) in order to feel confident and be dressed appropriately for work, a special occasion or a low key event. I feel like many of the timeless designs with more of a streamlined silhouette and worn in neutral/nautical colours can be more appropriate than anything because it is modest, practical and feminine. I feel like many of the designs worn by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly fit this description and are still quite wearable today.

This post is not intended to be disrespectful to those girls who put all of the effort into their Rockabilly outfits or Authentic 1930s sewing projects. I commend you for having the confidence and the creative ability to make it work. Personally my dress sense floats between Vintage-Inspired and more of a modern vintage fusion, For me, not wearing authentic vintage looks usually comes down to the price and availability of items, a lack of historical knowledge and my own personal flair. 

Lastly, I would like to remind you that I am not an expert, that I definitely have no intentions of offending anyone (with my writing standard it is bound to happen) and I know that my  high school English teacher would have torn this apart. Sometimes it's hard to get your ideas accross in writing.  I hope this is useful and gives you all some ideas. 

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Forgotten Classics Make Way For "Trendy" Clothes

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What happened to all of the Classic Items? You know those basic essentials  that get a lot of use and tend to be flattering on most people? I have noticed a decrease in these items in department stores and chain stores and an increase in size-specific clothes made to suit a certain stereotype. The newer clothes normally aren't practical enough and become out-of-date quickly.

Whenever you pick up a good  style book the first words of advice tend to contain the words "must-haves" and "essentials". Items like trench-coats, LBDs and black flats are usually mentioned and in a way I guess I could agree that these items are still available to the general public, only, they have changed quite a bit. Trench coats that come in bright seasonal colours are featured in the pages of mail order catalogues, Little Black Dresses have become smaller (sometimes unflatteringly so) and black flats are definitely present (though there tends to be a small variety of practical choices available in larger sizes)...

I find the sizing problem to be a difficult one. As a Vintage Gal I like to be able to buy classy clothing that is modest and practical. This goes for all areas of my wardrobe including dresses, jackets, shoes and undergarments. Also being a thin tall girl, I find that if I am lucky enough to find what I want that it just happens to be out of my size range. Smaller sizes tend to fit into the trendy and revealing category. Instead of having a range of different work skirts that are available in different shapes as well as colours, there is one A-line option in a stretchy fabric and a complete range of tube skirts (way to short for most dress codes) to fit your needs. The humble collared shirt still exists, but the fabric is probably a bit clingier and see-through than it should be. The last time I had a look at button up shirts at the local department store the short-sleeve they had was verging on cap-sleeve length. 

It seems that the only time decent essential items are available is when those items are on-trend. They might also be available on online repro stores that are for Vintage gals, but in most cases you are up for a big shipping bill, or you are paying through the nose for an item, Or, the item is not available in a plain version anyway... You can most definitely buy sewing patterns for anything you want, but then you'll need to know how to sew it, or know someone who can sew it for you, And, you will need the right fabric...The most luck I have had shopping for Classic items is at the local Op-shop, but the range is quite limited. 

I think it would be nice if some department stores could get some more practical ranges in stock. A range of knee length and three quarter skirts; A-line and pencil skirts; grey, cream, khaki and black. A range of half slips and modest strapless bras in all sizes. A range of soft cotton button up blouses. Some practical patent or canvas shoes; oxfords, (low) evening heels and ballet flats. The most important thing would be to make these items available to as many sizes as possible. 

I think some of the unsightly outfits spotted on people in the cities could be due to the fact that many stores are set on following trends rather than selling clothes that are suited to the wearers needs. It could just be my up-bringing or how old-fashioned I am, but I think having some more practical, essential items in stores would be more beneficial to everyone. Wouldn't it be better if there were some clothes that weren't dictated to by age or size?

Maybe I'm alone on this one and maybe I'm dreaming. I don't want a vintage world, I would just like a few more conservative, practical and affordable choices in department stores. I think it would be stupid to let trends control the stores, making it harder for people to find clothes suited to their wants and needs.

What do you think?

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Saving Your Pennies: Style

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I've known some people that have always been really bad with money and I've noticed that difficulty saving money is becoming a more common trait among people in general. I understand that things have gotten dearer, that the economy isn't fabulous and that small businesses are suffering. I understand all this and I know that I am not exactly the model citizen to be doing this kind of post seeing as I live with my parents and don't have to pay for a lot of things that adults have to pay for. I do think that I can do an okay job at finding bargains though and it bothers me when people spend money on overpriced things when they obviously can't afford it (but, you know, if you have enough money do what you want). I've been Inspired to write this because of those people, even though I know they probably won't read this post. That's just how it is.

When my sister did her graduation I had heard a few girls boast about how much their dresses cost. It was kind of ridiculous that they thought the price of their dress meant that it was going to be better than any other dress. On the night there were girls with dresses from many different price ranges. The expensive dresses in comparison to the ordinarily priced dresses? Not much difference. some of the styles were very similar. And, I couldn't understand purchasing a dress for "that" price for one night. A dress that will probably be subject to closet moths or tissue paper for the rest of eternity. 

In this post I'll talk about, what I know about dressing nice for a reasonable price. I'll talk about places to buy from , what to buy, mixing and matching and DIY. I'm hoping that I can link you to or suggest some ideas that will keep you looking stylish without costing too much money. I don't believe that an outfit should have to cost a fortune and it can be surprising what you can come up with on a budget or how you can update your wardrobe with only a few small purchases.

WHERE TO BUY:

- One of my favourite places in my town to go shopping is the Op shop. Here's the Op shopping guide I wrote  a while back. Or, here's another post that shows my love for Old People's Clothes. I got some of my favourite clothes from our local charity stores and love that they are affordable, pre-loved and often last longer than department store goods (strange but true), they also tend to fit better as the older styles were more about the waist than the hips. Things to consider: you may need to alter the clothes, you will have to check for stains, missing buttons, holes etc. If you are buying an evening dress in a small town you may need to consider the possibility that someone will recognise it. Obviously, some clothes will be old-fashioned or out-of-style. And, they aren't all gems. Thrifting is a special form of treasure hunting.

-You can also get vintage at garage/yard sales, markets and from Nanna's closet. 

-Another one of my favourite places to buy is Online. It can be a bit of a risk sometimes and there can be a few disappointments along the way, but it is fairly cheap and there are some really cool things available. Here's an Online Shopping Guide that I wrote a while ago. My favourtie stores are vintage re-pro stores such as Modcloth and Lace Affair. I also really like the Cotton-on store and department stores or department store brands (like Mix Apparel). The downside: some things have to be tried on and shouldn't be bought online, it takes time to arrive, it may be slightly different than you expected and damage can occur in the post.

-I know I have already mentioned online shopping, but shops like Etsy and Ebay are different again because there are so many different sellers using the one store. I always adjust the filters on an ebay search to "Price+Postage = lowest" and to "buy it now" because I can't be bothered with auctions. An item that starts of at 5c can quickly become expensive if there are a few bidders interested. There are many cheap accessories available on Ebay that cost a lot less than the same item in another store. I'm not just talking knock-off items either. Many of these items aren't even branded. I'm talking plain patent hand-bags, sunglasses and scarves. There are also a lot of clothes from Asia available that are really cheap. Unfortunately these are usually one-size items that are quite small. I do fit some of these in the looser styles, but I don't fit any of the shoes because my feet are too big. The downsides of ebay are: not always the best quality, sizing can be an issue, arrival time and your usual online shopping issues.

-Your local news agency. It sounds suss, I know, but some magazines come with free stuff that is actually pretty decent. I've scored a beach bag from a Vogue mag, a black scarf, two shirts from a Dolly mag and two basic skirts. Again, some of these things won't fit everyone, but the accessories are cool.

-Department Stores. For underwear, sleepwear, basics etc. Sometimes you can find some pretty cool things at a discount/department store. 

WHEN YOU'RE BUYING:

-There are some items that just shouldn't cost too much money. Shoes for example. They are close to the ground, they are going to get dirty, get wet, get scratched. If you pay a lot of money for a pair of shoes they should be comfortable, durable and work appropriate.

-Quality vs Quantity. I am all for a good bargain, but I am not excited about buying something that is trashed upon arrival or the first wear, because depending on what it is I may be needing to purchase another item and paying more in the long run. After a while you start to learn about the quality items. For Example, I try to buy the Sheer Relief hosiery because it tends to last.

-Sometimes you've just gotta wait for the sales. And, I guess this is why I generally gravitate towards the sales sections of a website or physical store.

WHAT TO BUY:

-One of my favourite things to buy are accessories. If you buy them online you don't need to worry too much about the fit (except when it's a belt) and they can update an old outfit. I did read an article once where an old lady said that she loved scarves because you could buy a scarf that would allow you to wear items together that you couldn't previously. The scarf would have a pattern of two or three colours  and could be worn with plain coloured basics in those colours. 

-Another Idea is to wear your more expensive items with your thrifted ones. 

-Everyone should have basics in their wardrobe. A little black dress or three, a good pair of shoes, a sensible pair of shoes, a comfy pair of jeans etc.

-I have this really old Home Economics text book that belonged to my aunt. In the book it is explained that if Sally (or some other generic name) were to buy/make Three button up shirts and Three skirts using matching colours she could create a variety of outfits. I think there was a green leaf print fabric, a beige fabric and a khaki. Sally made a skirt and shirt out of each. I like to take the same sort of approach to creating a wardrobe and I think it works. Obviously in this day and age, if you are more of a printed shirt and shorts kind of girl you can do the same; buy plain shorts in different colours and printed shirts that have similar colours in the print. etc.

DO IT YOURSELF: 

-I am a bit of a crafty person and I do occasionally attempt a DIY project. Depending on what it is a DIY project can save money. A DIY project is an original and if made well can last a long time. There are plenty of sites and books dedicated to DIY fashion. The downsides: DIY doesn't always work out.

-A few basic techniques, like stitching on a button can help you keep your clothes for longer. 

Image Source

This is hopefully going to be the first in a series of guides on saving money. I hope it's helpful and I hope you all understand that in no way am I against people purchasing expensive items that they can afford. I am thinking that I will do a post about Entertainment, a post about lifestyle and then maybe some about general saving tips. Thoughts or suggestions?

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Non-fiction Review: Minxy Vintage by Kelly Doust

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 255
Genre: Non-fiction, Fashion/DIY
Release Date: October 2011
Publisher: Murdoch books
I bought it online.

THE BLURB:
Do you browse through vintage or retro clothes at flea markets and wish you had the knack to breathe new life into the dated frocks, skirts and smocks?

Kelly Doust’s Minxy Vintage will help you transform these items – and indeed any item in your wardrobe, ripe for reinvention. In Minxy Vintage, Kelly combines her love of fashion with creativity, transforming more than 50 damaged, ill-fitting and past-it clothes into modern, wearable pieces.

 This is not just a book about loving vintage fashion: it’s about seeing the wonderful possibilities for updating all old clothes, and how to look fabulous doing so, no matter what your age, location or budget.

THE REVIEW:
I absolutely adored Doust's other book 'A Life in Frocks' which is a memoir about her life (so far) and the clothes she wore during it. While I found 'Minxy Vintage' to be charming (like a cup of tea and a chat with an old friend), I was a little disappointed as far as the "How to" aspect of this book was concerned.

'Minxy Vintage' has a description and tag line promising the reader a guide to vintage fashion, alteration and restoration. The book is filled with pictures and stories behind many items/outfits, the author Kelly Doust has bought and customised. I like that she included items that she has bought and fixed up herself, rather than vague "How to" instructions  like I sometimes include on here. With pictures, it's proof that she has actually done this.

So she includes pictures and a full page of writing about where she got it and how she likes to wear it, And, how she customised it, but this is where there is a lack of "How to". There is no real tutorial here. There is a list of what she did, which is slightly helpful, definitely inspirational, but lacks real detailed explanation. For a skilled seamstress, this book could be quite helpful, but to the beginner, could be difficult to follow. There are lots of words that people who haven't done much sewing before wouldn't understand, and if they did, they might not understand how to actually create that effect.

I really liked the things she came up with and seeing the clothes transform. The book (whether it's actually helpful or not) is worth it for the inspiration factor. It's visually pleasing and the layout of the book itself is quite charming. The descriptions of the outfits she imagines or the things she looks for are also very luxe. Some of the outfits, were probably a more suited for a costume party than anything else, but were visually pleasing nonetheless.

I think the most helpful thing in this book was the guide to finding vintage items that are worth buying. How to tell the treasure from the trash and how to identify the era or place the item may have originated from. This is something that I have trouble with when shopping for second-hand clothing sometimes and a task that a lot of people I know find almost impossible.

Overall, I think this book is worth 4/5 stars. It's brimming with ideas and prettiness. I think the main problem I have with the book is the lack of explanation and pictures when it comes to the customisation of the garment. I did enjoy it though, And will certainly be checking out some more books by Kelly Doust in the future.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Non-fiction Book Review: 'A Life in Frocks: A Memoir' by Kelly Doust

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 246
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir/Fashion
Release Date: November 2010
Publisher: Pier 9, Murdoch Books

I purchased this book online.

THE PREMISE:
A Life in Frocks is about the ‘divine obsession’, a woman’s love for clothes. In particular, it is a personal, entertaining, joyous – and seductive – exploration of the significance of clothes, filtered through one woman’s lifelong sartorial infatuation.

MY THOUGHTS:
I've been in a bit of a fashion-y mood lately. I've been on ebay purchasing cheap clothes I probably don't need and on a few book sites drooling over DIY sewing guides and Volumes about vintage couture. I've been regretting not reading as much as I should be (I haven't looked at my Goodreads challenge in ages) and looking at my gigantic TBR pile, knowing that more books will be headed my way I decided that I have to read something. Already part way through more than three books I decided to start this one...

This book was exactly what I needed. 'A Life in Frocks' is a very cosy book with a writing style much like that of Brigid Lowry's 'Tommorrow Everything Will Be Beautiful'. The airy-fairy thought processes and unusual life story of Kelly Doust also reminded me of some of the articles I like to read in 'Frankie Magazine' (warm and cozy, inspiring, addictive). This was the most fun I think a memoir could offer and what a cool way to tell the story of your life, through clothes!

'A Life in Frocks' was a quick read (for someone who hasn't been reading much more than a chapter in her lunch break, reading 246 pages in three days [with breaks for 'Charmed' episodes] is an achievement) that had me captivated from the first page. Okay, maybe the cover... The illustrations on the cover and throughout the book (by Zoe Sadorierski) are very cute. Along with the writing, the illustrations ensure that this is a book to learn from and to treasure.

Doust tells us about how she discovered that fashion (or rather crafting fashion) was her calling. We learn of her mishaps, her inspiration and that sometimes an outfit can make a huge difference to your day. We learn about those dream outfits, the ones she missed out on, the ones that she wore during tragedies, the clothes that were worn until they were worn-out and the clothes she considers to be staples. The most important things Doust taught me during this book was that advertisements can be misleading, some outfits aren't practical for certain situations, don't hang on to something you don't wear and that with a bit of effort a $5 dress can look like a $50 dress. What I didn't quite agree with though was the ruling that every woman should wear heels (even if they are tall). I don't agree. I like to feel a bit shorter standing next to people (a nice change) and I can't walk in heels. Unless high heels are chunky heels, I won't wear them.

The Book features a glossary at the end of a few designers and clothing items that were mentioned during the book incase readers aren't schooled up on who/what they are already. The only thing I really wish this book had, is a glossary of french terms used throughout the duration (at least I think it was french). While it is super classy and chic to be able to speak french (whether talking about fashion or not) it's not fair to the people (like me) who were schooled in a time where french was not the preferred language to be taught in schools.

This book was so cute I thought I'd share some pictures:

 

 ^Underneath the dust jacket (which has pictures of clothes on it) there are pictures of pretty underwear. So when you take the jacket off you are literally "undressing" the book!

 

^One of the lovely illustrations.

Overall, I gave this book 5/5 Stars and a favourite, aside from a few (minor) differences I really enjoyed 'A Life in Frocks'. The luxurious descriptions and little connections the author made between her life and the clothes she wore was very original; very inviting. This is a book I'd recommend to anyone with a polyvore account (that they use frequently), anyone who spends just a little too much time staring at the pictures of glamorous models in magazines, Or, anyone who likes op-shopping not only because it's cheap, but because they like the idea of finding "treasure" (or something they can create "treasure" out of). After you've read it this book will make you want to: buy a sewing machine, travel, go op-shopping, read every issue of vogue you have (twice) and go through your current wardrobe organising and ditching things that no-longer have any appeal to you.

Kelly Doust has written a few other books (which I can't wait to purchase) and also has her own blog 'The Crafty Minx'

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie