Link Love ~ Setting Lotions for Pin Curls

This is a great post from Lisa of Snoodlebug on the different types of setting lotions you can use for pin curls.  Check it out ~

Ready, get SET go!:


Yep, another bad pun – I do love a bad pun. 

I’ve had a lot of questions about setting lotion lately – both online and in real life - so I thought a quick post on what it is and what it does might be useful. Back to basics for a lot of you I’m sure but that never hurt anyone. 

So. Let's begin at the beginning...

What is it?

Well, somewhat obviously, setting lotion is product that is applied to hair in order to set styles. i.e. to make them neater and last longer. It comes in many forms – liquids which do or do not need dilution, crèmes such as boots curl crème, foaming products and even gels. Some people even make their own. Some are best applied to wet hair and some to dry – some can be used on both. Finding the right setting lotion for your hair can be a little like finding your Holy Grail foundation, but once you have found it you won’t ever want to change....

xox,

bonita

Hold You Love

I honestly can’t think of anything to say…. 

I blame it on the baby brain.  Really.

I am currently alternating between being too tired to do much of anything except rest, {they don’t call it an irritable uterus for nothing…  It’s so irritating!}, and having insane bursts of energy which results in manic “MUST CLEAN ALL THE THINGS”!!

~ * Yes, I just generated my first meme.  Ironically, I think that’s where this image came from ~ from a must clean all the things post.  (> . <)  * ~

And that’s the extent of my functioning at the moment.  I am looking forwards to be able to think again in about ~ oh, 3 months?   Ah, the joys of late pregnancy/life with newborns.  (￣▽￣*)ﾉ

xox,

bonita

~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~
White Pleasant Blouse  ~  Thrifted    Pastel Pink Capris  ~  Crossroads, this season     Blush Bloom Lace Socks  ~  Thrifted    Sandy Sandshoes  ~  Thrifted

Link Love ~ The Curated Wardrobe

A fabulous, well-written piece on luxury and fashion.  We are now moving into the realm of the curated wardrobe ~ it's a luxury, but are you ready for it?  Click through for the rest of this thought provoking article.

The new luxury:  The curated wardrobe.

For a long time it was exactly the opposite: a big wardrobe was the hallmark of the haves and the have nots. Those with wardrobes bulging at the seams were those who lived a life of luxury. They were also often the rich. So for lots of people the desire for a wardrobe that contained every potential shoe and shirt combination became their desire, became a point of envy.

But society has moved on....

xox,

bonita

Dear Daisy Blue Dress

Has anyone watched the BBC program “Call the Midwife”?  I saw the first six episodes on DVD the other day and loved it.  I won’t give out any spoilers, but I must say that the clothing is gorgeous ~ showing a blend in fashions as style crosses over from 1940s to the 1950s “New Look” {I believe the series is set in the early 50s}, and the story telling of life in those days really is lovely.

There’s tragedy and drama, to be sure, but also a very strong theme of love, life, and duty which I find very uplifting.  I do so hate it when you watch period t.v. or movies that only focus on the grotty “shock” factors of those times ~ like extra marital affairs, babies out of wedlock, and the like.  I find it kind of annoying personally, because I tend to watch those shows or movies precisely for their “old fashioned” values! 

Yes, there were such goings on back in those times, I don’t deny that, but I also think that values back then were hugely different from today, and that’s one thing that I find very strongly influencing and shaping my appreciation of the past. 

My love of vintage fashion is most definitely tied to my love of the values and ideals found back then.  No, they weren’t all perfect, I am the first to admit that ~ there were many attitudes that were wrong, even as there were many that were right.  I do feel however, that the attitudes of selfless duty and love that many people had, and thusly acted on ~ just because it was the right thing to do ~ were good ones.  Ones that have really been lost today, much to society’s detriment. 

We are so caught up in seeking out our own pleasures that the thought of doing something for others, or even our community and country, at great cost to ourselves is often a foreign one, and at times I feel that it is sorely missed.  I’m not saying that those attitudes and actions would solve all our problems, but I do feel that in many cases it could help, if not prevent, the problems from occurring.  

That being said, I do enjoy and appreciate the freedoms of the century I live in, and I am glad for the ability to choose which parts of the past I want to admire and emulate, even as I can choose which parts of the present I can admire and emulate.  There is much to be said for the freedom of personal choice, though as they say, with great power comes great responsibility.  (◕‿◕｡)

I should probably finish off now, before this turns into a massive dissertation {kudos for getting this far!}, but I am curious ~ what do you think?  Are the values of the 1950s, and further back, as worth while keeping as the clothing is?  Do those values affect you at all, or are they irrelevant?  I know a lot of vintage life stylists do get into the whole “Make Do and Mend” way of thinking, but as vintage enthusiasts, how much is too much in allowing the past to influence your ideology and attitudes?

xox,

bonita

~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~
Dear Daisy Blue Dress ~ Made by Me, 2012   Pastel Yarn Comb  ~ Made by Me, tutorial here  Gladys Owl Broach ~ Acorn and Will   Jade Bracelets  ~  Hong Kong ‘08 & Thrifted   Polka Bow Wedges  ~  Big W, ‘11

Link Love ~ 10 Hilarious Flapper Slang Words

I love these crazy euphemisms ~ can we please bring some of these back??

~ * ~

1.  Umbrella- young man any girl can borrow for the evening.

2.  Rock of Ages- any woman over 30 years of age.

3.  Face stretcher- old maid who tries to look young.

4.  Cellar Smeller- a young man who always turns up where there’s free liquor to be had.

5.  Corn Shredder- young man who dances on a girl’s feet.

6.  Being Edisoned- getting asked a lot of boring questions.

7.  Finale Hopper- a young man who arrives after everything is paid for.

8.  Mustard Plaster- unwelcome guy who sticks around.

9.  Potato- a young man shy of brains.

10.  Rug Hopper- young man who never takes a girl out. A parlor hound.

~ * ~

Psst!  Dolls!  Hop on over to Glamour Daze for more vocab. that's simply the cats pyjamas ~ The Flapper Slang Guide

xox,
bonita

Holidays in Lavender

These are old-ish snaps are from our Christmas holiday to South Australia ~ taken in various locations.  The tumble-down Victorian mansion is just outside of Rutherglen, Victoria, and the amazing pink hydrangeas are in a garden in the bottom of a sink hole in Mt Gambier, South Australia. 

I wore this lovely lavender 1940’s maternity dress quite a bit while we were away, but unfortunately the stitches keep breaking in the seams, so I have to keep on mending it.  That’s one of the problems with vintage wear, although I must say I haven’t had as much trouble with my other vintage pieces as I have with this one.   : /  

Of course, then I don’t want to wear it as much, even though I do love the colour!  That’s one of the challenges of wearing vintage while having small children, but I’ll keep pegging away at it.   It makes me even more keen to sew my own vintage clothes, because then I don’t have to worry about them being ruined. 

Speaking of…. 

That will be my next update ~ I’m finally able to show you the dress I made before we went away.  Yay!  There’s a bit of a story as to why it’s taking me so long to post about it, but I’ll keep that for later.

xox,

bonita 

~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~
Lavender Lace 1940’s Dress  ~  Etsy   Painted Floral Broach  ~   Thrifted   Dot Flats  ~  Way too old!

If I look hot and tired….

Well, that’s only because I AM hot and tired!  Outfit posts seem impossible in this sort of heat, you’ll be lucky if I manage to get half dressed…  *side eye*    So I leave you with some Instagram shots of life around the blue house at the moment.

     
~ *  A colorful rainbow mobile that Theodore loves:  Busy with more cold porcelain clay!  I’m having fun making my little charms.  * ~

    
~ *  Joey says hi! Boy, I love this horse.  He keeps me sane.  :3 :  Theodore plays with sticks while I enjoy a cool breath of twilight air.  * ~

Not much else is happening…  Unless you count the fact that there’s nine weeks until little Bump is supposed to be joining us out in the wide world.  Eeep!  Nine weeks!  That’s so close!  That’s so far away!  I have a million things to do!!  ….   > . >  …

Yup, I’m now in that delightfully torn frame of mind a woman feels when the baby’s time draws near.  Don’t worry, I’m sure that it will only be a few more weeks and I will be all like “Get this thing out, or so help me!…”     ._____.     Ah, life with a pregnant lady.  It’s interesting, even for me!  

xox,

bonita

How to ~ Crochet a Hand Towel Ring Holder

Materials List:

~  Wool {I used left over scraps - I think it was 4 ply}

~  4.5mm/5mm hook

~  Needle for sewing in ends

Gauge:  N/A   Hook & yarn chart if you are not sure what to use, or if you wish to make a smaller/large holder.

Abbreviations:  

ch – chain
st - stitch
sk - skip
sc - single crochet
dc – double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
mc - magic circle
* – repeat

The Pattern:

Using two strands of wool at once to make your sts thicker, create a large magic circle loop.

Ch 2, dc 38 sts around mc.  Sl st to join and start the 'top' of the holder.

The aim is to create a triangle shape:  Sc 7 sts across the top of your dc.

Reverse.  Sk 1st sc, and sc 5 across the top.

Reverse.  Sk 1st sc, and sc 3 across the top.

Chain 8, and sl st to the other side of the triangle to form the hanging loop.   To re-enforce the loop you can sc across it.  Sl st to join back into the main piece.

{Optional} Picot Edging:

To do a picot edging ~

Ch 3 and sl st into the same st.  Sc 1, ch3 and sl st into same st* all the way around until you reach the other side of the hanging loop.

Sew in ends and hang your towel up!    (✿◠‿◠)ﾉ

Ta Da!

xox,
bonita

Sailor Me Away

I’ve been hankering for a nautical inspired outfit for a while, and this 70’s-does-a-little-late-30s/early 40s maternity dress fits the bill nicely!  It’s been my outfit of choice for the past few weeks ~ easy to slip on and go as the dress does a lot of the work so it doesn’t need much in the way of accessories and fancy do-dads.   Yup, do-dads is a word.  I’m sure of it.   ~ _ ^

During this insanely hot summer weather, the less fuss the better! 

Now les’see, I think Bump Watch makes me at 28 weeks in this outfit?  Wow, I can’t believe how quickly the time is flying by!  Not long now and we’ll actually be able to meet little Bump ~ how super thrilling.  : D

Anyway, apparently this heat has sapped any and all witty, intelligent, thought provoking, and extremely interesting post content that is clearly my usual standard of fare to offer, so feel free to insert said writing here:

xox,

bonita

~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~
Pearl Earrings  ~  Christmas Gift from Hubs   Nautical Navy Dress  ~  Etsy   White Tooled Belt  ~  JayJays   There’s No Place Like Home Heels  ~  Rivers

Sewing Schedule 2013

I have been inspired by a lot of  vintage sewing enthusiasts to write my own 2013 sewing schedule.  I think that this could help me fill the "gaps" in my wardrobe, as well as help encourage me not to take so long whipping up one dress!

It generally seems to take me four to five months to sew one dress ~ my latest project, a maternity dress, being the quickest at just over a month and a week.  That's because I worked on it regularly, rather than only when I felt like it.  I think it's reasonable to say that if I finish one dress every two months, and a smaller item every month ~ that might be a good rate for me?  I do want to try and get faster at sewing up my own pieces.

So {sew ~ lol} without further ado;

 January:

• One circle skirt w/ elastic waist  {For after baby is born}

February:

• One blouse {1940s style ~ I don't have many tops that look 1940s and I love them, so I want to rectify that.}

March:

• Erm, we'll see.  Baby's due on the 29th.

April:

• Ditto!

May:

• One staple 1940s winter skirt  {I love the simple 4-gore 40s skirt; I definitely need some!}

June ~ July:

• One warm winter dress

August:

• One staple 1940s summer skirt

September ~ October:

• Pattern stash busting!  One summer dress from patterns I have already!!

November ~ December:

• 40's Playsuit?   

And while we are on this role ~ how about a knitting schedule?   As I really only seem to like to knit in the cooler months {Seriously, today it's 37 degrees!! It's been mid-high 30s all last week, and it's supposed to be the week after....  I think you can see why!}, it'll be a shorter list, but that's ok.

April ~ May:

• One short sleeved 40's blouse

June ~ July:

• One long sleeved 40's blouse

And I think that's it!  Do you have any sewing/knitting/crochet plans for 2013?  Do share!

xox,

bonita

Jaunting Around Australia

We made it home!  It was a busy trip, and like I suspected the internet connection was pretty much non-existent, so here’s a brief photo diary of our trip through Victoria to South Australia.  ^ – ^

   
~ *  We stop at Gundagai and visit with The Dog on the Tucker Box: Sitting up the top of Mackey’s Peak in the Grampians.  Still can’t believe I made it up there!  * ~

~ *  A panoramic view of the Grampian Mountain Range.  * ~ 

   
~ *  In front of the old Mt Gambier Post Office, South Australia:  At the Cave Gardens, it’s a big sinkhole in the middle of the town!  * ~


~ *  One of the roads in South Australia.  * ~

   
~ *  Playing around with some photos I took.  * ~

   
~ *  Blueberry macaroon, which tasted like cake ~ weird huh?:  Sunset in Rutherglen, Victoria.  * ~

   
~ *  Peach flip-flops, bought for this trip: A new purse!  ^ U ^  Yay for pink plaid!  * ~

   
~ *  At Olive Hill Estate, Rutherglen:  Some gorgeous park in Ararat, Victoria.  * ~

Last, but not least ~ have a Happy New Year everyone!  I can’t wait to see what 2013 will bring.  ♥ ♥ ♥ 

xox,

bonita

Borrowing Tips from Grace Kelly’s Style

  


 

Easy to wear blouse, Capri pants, cute flats, simple hair and glam sunglasses?  Check, and check!  Whether or not I’ve managed to pull off the ‘Grace Kelly’ look, I do not know, but I do know that I love the simplicity of this outfit!

The vintage baby-doll top I recently purchased is one of the best maternity pieces I have ever laid eyes on ~ it’s the one item in my current wardrobe that I wish I could wear when I’m not expecting.   

As you can imagine, I getting a lot of use out of this blouse.   ; )  It’s just too cute not to wear as much as possible!  And on the subject of cute, how amazing are these repro 1950s styled sunglasses?? 

I think they are simply the bee’s knees, and even better, I could order them with my current script so I don’t have to either a}. Go blind and just wear the sunglasses or b}. Have to wear my sunglasses over the top of my actual glasses.  Which, let’s face it, isn’t an attractive look so that only happens when I’m driving and no one can see what I’ve done.   > o <

Thankfully these sunglasses have arrived now, so my days of dorky glasses-over-glasses can be safely thrown out the window ~ just in time for my family {and extend family} trip to South Australia. 

I’m looking forwards to our Christmas away, and I will try to keep updating, but I don’t know how consistent my ‘net connection will be, so I’ll wish you all “Happy Holidays!” just in case I don’t get to post until I get back. 

xox,

bonita

~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~ * ♥ * ~
Repro Glam Up Glasses ~  Zenni Optical    Vintage It’s Plaid Baby Top  ~  Etsy    Basic Denim Capris   ~  Crossroads, this season     Go Glitter Flats  ~  Modcloth 

Link Love ~ Casual 1940s & 1950s Style Inspiration

It’s been a while since the last Link Love, no?  Still, when I saw this post on casual vintage style by Miss Virginia of Retrospect, I knew I had to share it.

Talk about the perfect out-and-about outfit inspiration!  I love the elegant touch of a neat blouse and Capri pants; in fact I’ve actually bought two new pairs of Capris recently that I can’t wait to show you in an outfit post.  In the mean time, however, enjoy these lovely looks from the past, and don’t forget to hop on over for the rest of the gorgeous pictures.

Kelly Casual

~ *  My favorite vintage lady: Grace Kelly naturally…  * ~
  ~ *  I positively adore this outfit ~ I will be trying to replicate it very soon!  Mind you, it might very well be minus the white blouse, as white and toddlers really don’t mix with happy results...  > u <  * ~

xox,

bonita

Still alive and kickin’

   
~ * Little boy fun & we are out celebrating our 3rd year anniversary!  * ~

Between my youngest sister’s wedding, the worst head cold in the history of mankind {on top of nasty hay fever naturally}, and planning for a Christmas holiday in South Australia, I thought I’d better pop in and let you all know I’m not dead!

Just rhhhheaaallly busy.   > . < 

I have pretty pictures to show though, so that’s something right?

  
~ *  Pretty clay creations I’ve been busy crafting; I am particularly fond of my blueberry macaroon & POOOCCCKKKYYY! > 3 <  * ~

  
~ *  Images from my sister’s wedding ~ my sister {and best friend} and I were bridesmaids & a lilac orchid that fell from my bouquet.  * ~

xox,

bonita

P.S.  ~  Check out my Instagram @bdotdepictions if you want to keep up with more daily snaps and pretty pictures.  :3