Come Dance by My Lonely Grave ~ Outfit Fifty Three

Dress ~ Etsy   Gloves  ~  Thrifted   Bracelet ~  Dotti    Shoes  ~  Thrifted
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Yeah, I know, it’s another new dress….  From Etsy again.  But there is some seriously cute stuff on that site; how can I resist?  This lovely 1950’s shirtwaist has a gorgeous full skirt and yes, I did mean to wear my crinoline underneath to make it “poof” but I forgot!  Still, it doesn’t matter because it’s one of those dresses that looks good no matter what.  :3 

To change the topic, I hope your Christmas preparations are going better than mine!  I haven’t finished my present shopping yet, nor started wrapping them.  As for the Christmas cards?  Well, I wrote the letter, but couldn’t find A5 paper in any of the shops I searched, decided to send only the cards, got sick and well, here I am today and that is that!   At my current rate I’ll be a Christmas-cards-every-two-years sort of person.  

Which, to be honest, seems a little silly to me, because if you are going to send cards you should do it properly and send them every year right?  But then again, some cards are better than none… 
On the upside, my Christmas tree is up and decorated, which was actually a bit of a feat seeing as I had to buy all the decorations, and I have made my gingerbread house for the year.  Yay!!  Christmas rather snuck up on me this year, but I am looking forwards to it, and the holiday afterwards.  ᵔᴗᵔ ~ ♥

xox,

bonita

Roses and Raindrops ~ Outfit Fifty Two

50’s Day Dress ~ Etsy   Rose Peep Toes  ~  Thrifted   Rainbow Ribbon Handbag  ~  Forever New

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I love how well my new purse goes with my outfit; I brought it recently from Forever New.  I don’t know if any of my Aussie readers have seen that shop?  Honest to goodness, that store is like princess crack to me….  > 3 <  ~ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Practically all of their stock is in some dreamy pastel shade, and is dripping with lace, pearls, flowers or rhinestones!!  It’s by far my favourite modern place to shop.  I also love how a lot of their stuff is extremely vintage inspired, like my purse, and fits beautifully with almost any vintage outfit.  What I don’t love is how a lot of their stuff is really quite pricey.  It kinda bites…  : P  

But they certainly have my number because I am sure that expense regardless, I will continue shopping there.  So you definitely know that I am hooked because I am quite stingy when it comes to shelling out big bucks on just one item!  They also have a website if you are interested in looking at their stuff ~ Forever New.  It’s not hugely inspiring, but there are some great items there if you dig for it!  Plus, the sales are good.  Now go forth and get addicted…  ; 3

xox,

bonita

Instadate!!

1:  My new~to~me vintage crochet gloves
2:  My new purse from Forever New; I ♥ it!
3:  Theodore loves sucking on his toes
4:  “My, what big eyes you have!” she said…
5:  Woodland dreaming
6:  Twilight in the treetops
7:  Dinner ~ stuffed capsicums with rice and roasted pine nuts.  Yum!
8:  Hanging
9:  Seagrass on the shore
10:  Sandy baby toes…  Aw!  > <

“Instadate!”  Lol….  Ok.  Lame joke ~ I know.  Anywho, it’s my Instagram update.  I love seeing what other bloggers have been up to with day to day snapshots so I thought I would share some of mine.  Most of these are from our trip to the coast; we went back to the place we where married for our two year anniversary and it was lovely. 

If you would like to follow me on Instagram you can find me at bdotdepictions.  See you there!

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ 1950s Vintage Makeup Tutorial

Vintage magazines are quite fascinating, and there’s nothing like the original thing to achieve a picture perfect look.  Jessica from Chronically Vintage shares this lovely step-by-step make up tutorial with us to help the vintage lovers achieve that 1950s look.

1950s step-by-step photo tutorial for applying eye make-up

It's a safe bet to say that the majority of us have at least a decent handle on how to apply eye makeup, especially given the emphasis on that particular facial feature that certain vintage looks call for (hello, cat's eye eyeliner!).

Some of us are old pros, others relatively confident in their abilities but not quite as resolute in their skills as they hope to be one day, whereas there is certainly a percentage of vintage make-up fans who are just starting out with learning how to apply old school cosmetic looks on themselves.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it's likely that you'll enjoy the instructional set of black and white photographs in today's post, which show the precise techniques used (on this model at least) back in 1950 to achieve a strikingly elegant, endlessly classic lined eye look….

xox,

bonita

Other side of the tracks ~ Outfit Fifty One

Daisy Earrings  ~  Hot Dollar Shop  Blouse  ~  Modcloth via LuluLetty   Bangles  ~  Gift from my sister   Cigarette Pants  ~  Thrifted   Saddle Shoes  ~  Amazon.com

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Yes, I have officially procured my first pair of vintage trousers…  *squee!*   They are a nice wool blend and they seem to be really sturdy which is fantastic. They also fit perfectly, plus I really like the colour and style.  And even better?  I didn’t pay a single cent for them!!  ^ U ^  

To top it all off, they had a tag pinned to them saying “Tonis RAAF” ~ which I am pretty sure stands for the Royal Australian Air Force.  How exciting is that?  I love knowing a bit about the history of vintage clothes!  It makes me wonder who Toni is though…  And did the RAAF really wear their trousers short back then, or am I just too tall for them?   Questions, questions.

Anywho, though it does feel a bit odd to be wearing pants, I like these, and I am super glad I found them!!  > ω <

xox,

bonita  

Just another day at the home office*

* Or Curing my Grandmother Scuffs addiction.

Case evidence as seen here:

See for yourselves ladies and gentlemen. The suspect in question has upgraded her “house clothes” to the stage of casual and comfortable, yet neat and presentable, from pyjamas, trackie dacks{or track pants for non-Aussies.} and t~shirts.  However, it would appear that she forgot one important detail…  THE FOOTWEAR.

Okay, I admit it.  I am addicted to my slippers.  Yes, they look like my grandmother’s scuffs, but let’s face it, they are easy and cosy and, well, easy!  The thing is, if I am bothering to dress nicely, then I think that I should bother to put on some proper shoes.  I just don’t seem to have an appropriate pair to pick from.  *gaspshockhorror*.  I think I need to find something, but I am not sure what. 

They have to be really easy to slip in and out of {no hands for when I am carrying the baby} and comfortable to wear all day.  I do know that probably means a pair of flats, but I was also thinking that may be I could just buy a nicer pair of slippers that sort of look like shoes and go for them instead?  Here are a few styles I am considering. 

 
~ * ♥ * ~ These you can purchase, and I must say I am really loving the cable knit and the pom~pom, although white IS a little impractical.  ~ * ♥ * ~

 
~ * ♥ * ~  These ones you can make yourself; which is pretty nifty.  Maybe I should have a go at making my own.. ~ * ♥ * ~

Which ones do you think I should go for?  Would you wear them out of the house or just at home?

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ A History of Handerkerchief

I do love finding out historical facts regarding all sorts of random things ~ it’s so much fun to know stuff like this, so I have here a post about the history of the handerkerchief by Lauren of Bobby Pin Blog.

Handkerchief History

"Historians credit Marie Antoinette with the invention of the pocket handkerchief. She was so broken up at leaving her home in Austria that she cried all the way to France and wiped her eyes with bits of lace torn from her dress and lingerie. Anticipating future tears, she made it a point always to have a piece of lace tucked in a pocket of her dress. This, say the historians, was how handkerchiefs were born."

That is such a cute and beautiful story. I would not expect anything less from a 1940s women's magazine. The romance that surrounded writing for women of the time is priceless, but it is of course a load of you-know-what….

xox,

bonita

Artist’s Alley: Lovely Ladies

 

Here’s some more art work that I have sketched recently ~ one thing that is good about my RSI is how it has me doing a lot more drawing than I was.  I forget how much fun it is.  : D  Although I do hate staring at a blank page wondering what to draw!  I have so many ideas, yet it seems that I have to be in the right mood or I don’t want anything to do with them.  Do you ever find that happening to you? 

It happens to me far often then I would like, but sometimes it is helpful because I either think up a whole ‘nother idea or I push past the block; the pushing doesn’t occur very often, but sometimes. 
> <   The thought that I like to keep in mind with it is that anything I do is practise, and any practise is good.  So it doesn’t matter if it’s not the most amazing piece of art I’ve ever done, if it moves me forwards then that is enough.  Practise makes perfect! 

Hmm.  So maybe I should take my own advice and stop chickening out of colouring my line art.  > . >’  I’ll let you know how that goes!!  : P

xox,

bonita

Quick Share ~ Beaded Scallop Collar DIY

I shared a tutorial on creating vintage styled collars here and now there is another one to try out from Megan of Design Diary.  : D

DIY beaded scallop edge detachable collar

As promised a few weeks ago, I’ve put together a pattern and some instructions for how you can create your own beaded scallop edge detachable collar (phew that’s a mouthful!!)

I honestly love this collar sooo much, and have not stopped wearing it since I made it – but, that being said, it is definitely a project requiring some time and commitment. It took me almost 12 hours to do all the beading – so just keep that in mind before you start.

xox,

bonita

ABC’s ~ Outfit Fifty

Rose Cardigan  ~  SES   Top  ~  Thrifted   Bow Tie Broach  ~  Thrifted   Wool Skirt ~ Thrifted    Vintage Crochet Gloves  ~  Canberra Antique Centre  Garnet Butterfly Ring  ~  Portobello Road Markets; London  Skirt  ~  Thrifted   Bow Heels  ~  I can’t remember, they are too old.

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The weather has taken a decide turn for the freezing this week; only last week Husband, Theodore and I were slow cooking in the oven that is our house, and this week we are rugged up in jeans and jumpers again{!!}, or rather, wool skirts if it is me.  : D  I quite like the cool weather, so I am as happy as a clam in my knit tops and long skirts. 

This particular skirt always makes me feel like a librarian or a schoolmarm, so I paired it with my little brocade bow tie broach to complete the teacher~y look.  And who can resist cute heels with bows on the toes to match?  Certainly not me!  I haven’t worn these shoes in ages because the heel needs reheeling, but I had to pop them on for today’s outfit. 

I also happen to love this wreck of a shed building that is near our house.  It’s part of a really old property that is being restored for historical purposes {I think it was one of the first houses in the Canberra/Queanbeyan area} and in the mean time it makes a beautiful backdrop.  I don’t think I am trespassing when I go take photos ~ there are no locks on the gates or anything, you can just walk right in…  But then again, I would probably still take photos even if there was; I just can’t resist gorgeous old characters like tumble~down houses!

Recently I got my hair cut for more a middy~like style and I am really loving the shorter length.  I almost think that I can get away without pin curling it; it sort of looks vintage styled to me without the extra setting.  Yay for curls!  I gotta say that this is the first time I have really loved my curly hair.  I always used to wish it was straight ~  I spent $300.00 on GHD straightener which I like, never, use now.  Oh well.  It was fun for a time to have it straight, but now I am all about the curls. : )

Whelp, I guess that’s my ramble for the moment; but I am curious, would you jump fences to get photos of abandoned houses?  I think there is a fine line between admiring run down architecture, and breaking the law, and I know that quite a few well known bloggers jump fences, but I am pretty sure that no one I know would deliberately ignore “No trespassing” signs.  I know I couldn’t!  What do you think?

xox,

bonita     

Quick Share ~ Ribbon Button Band Cardigan

This is a fantastic guest post tutorial from Tasha of By Gum By Golly found at Casey’s Elegant Musings is well worth a read ~ a fantastic vintage detail that is easy to add to your cardigans and looks pretty.  Tasha has done it again!! : D

Ribbon Button Band Cardigan Tutorial

Do I have a treat for you today! Tasha of By Gum By Golly (one of the best vintage fashion and sewing/knitting blogs, in my opinion!) has a fantastic tutorial for all you knitters (and sweater-refashioners) out there! This clever lady has figured out a great way to add a button band to a sweater. This is something that a lot of vintage knitting patterns specify, but the instructions are usually less than clear. Thank you Tasha for deciphering and sharing how to do this!–♥ Casey

Hi everyone! I’m Tasha and I blog over at By gum, by golly. I’m excited to be helping Casey out, and I’m here today to share a tutorial with you!

If you’re a vintage clothing aficionado like I am, you may have occasionally found a cardigan finished with grosgrain ribbon along the opening edges of the button bands….

xox,

bonita

Inspiration Round~up: Vintage Shirtwaist Dresses

I’ve been shopping.  Again. : P  I just can’t stop myself!  My vintage wardrobe feels very lacking, so I’ve have been perusing shirtwaist dresses with the aim to get a few.  They are the best vintage buys for me at the moment {breastfeeding still} so they are number one on my shopping list.  Although those high~waisted jeans I am after are on my Christmas wish list for sure! 

Here are some lovely inspiration pictures of vintage shirtwaist dresses {a few suits snuck in as well 
> o <} to enjoy ~ I am sure you will see why I have put them {yes, multiple!} on my shopping list.  Most of the images {if not all} are from the 1940s and 1950s, and I think that they are perfectly lovely!

         

~ * ♥ * ~  Photo sources:  Most of the images came from Pinterest and the others from my computer.  If any of these images are yours or you know to whom they belong, please contact me and I will link them up.  Thank you!  ~ * ♥ * ~

xox,

bonita