aloha

My little outfit that I wore to the Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair on Friday night - I had to get into the spirit of things! Am still completely convinced the addition of MAC Morange to the majority of my outfits makes them ten folds more awesome!


It was ridiculously insanely out of control busy at the BVFF on Friday, and I assume it would have been much the same on Saturday. (Aloha to LuxeKitten who can vouch for this - and thanks for being such a sweetheart by the way!) At first I was overwhelmed by the overall beautiful vintage stalls + pieces I could spy through the entrance, which quickly gave way to being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people and the weird 'stocktake sale' frenzied vibe that was going on. Not really my scene at all! I wish I could have gotten the chance to have a better look through the stalls + appreciate the amazing collections some of them had. As soon as someone looked at a piece and put it back, it would be quickly grabbed by some onlooker in a spilt second. I'm not sure if the general crowd had a real appreciation for vintage garments as it was such a grab/frenzy atmosphere - I was a little bit sad by that. I managed to find a couple of cute pieces, but I didn't end up hanging around very long. My favourite find was a mustard yellow crocheted cape with scalloped edges - in perfect condition + very similar in style to the yellow knit top in the 'on my radar' post below. Will take some photos soon :)

__________

Overall I had a lovely weekend - found some treasures, spent time with friends + family, enjoyed wine + cheese, drank goon by the ocean with randoms, saw a sunset, saw a sunrise, danced way too much to MJ/J5, met an amazing deaf busker + made the most of the gorgeous weather. Life is good.





My Flair Vintage updating plans have been delayed by weather, then by too much fun being had. Have some gorgeous pieces to share + will keep you in the loop when it's all rockin + rollin. Thank you so much for your support. You rock my world <3

thought of the day | 30th june

Reality is what we take to be true.
What we take to be true is what we believe.
What we believe is based on our perceptions.
What we perceive depends on what we look for.
What we look for depends on what we think.
What we think depends on what we perceive.
What we perceive determines what we take to be true.
What we take to be true is our reality.

- Gary Zukav

on my radar...

- gorgeous beaded embellished tops + long vintage pleated maxi skirt


- vintage pieces with scalloping detail




- intricate white/cream/nude lace + crochet detail vintage pieces




- statement rhinestone jewellery: massive earrings + necklaces (in gold)




- fun with bright colours, textures + clashing of the two..




- pastel, beautiful watercolours mixed back with pale gold




- a 50s style halter sweetheart neckline wiggle dress in light blue/baby blue that sits just above my knee.. REALLY on the lookout for this make believe dress + the above photos are the best I could find to represent my dream! Might have to get this made for me, but please let me know if you've seen anything in your travels :)

Sources: here, here, here

thought of the day | 26th june

Take full responsibility for your life.
Stop blaming others.
See yourself as the cause of what happens to you.

Do things you like to do.
Don't stay in a job you don't like.
Participate in life at the highest level you can.

Stop terrorising yourself with your thoughts.
Be gentle and kind and patient with yourself.

Give yourself the simple pleasures of life abundantly.
Wear clothes you feel good in, get a massage etc.

Watch what you say. Avoid self put-downs.
Stop being critical of yourself and others.

Take care of your body.
Give it exercise and good food.

Be willing to create a life-style that generates and nourishes self-esteem.
Associate with others with high esteem.

Acknowledge yourself frequently.
Keep a diary of your successes and accomplishments.

Avoid comparing yourself with others.
Remember that it's who we are, not what we do, that's important.

Give yourself permission to do nothing periodically.
Schedule time by yourself.

Frequently take deep breaths.
Discover the benefit and pleasure of breathing fully.

Eat first class frequently.
Don't look at the right side of the menu.

Stop trying to change others.
Focus your attention on being the way you want others to be.

Look into a mirror regularly
and say "I love you, I really love you".

Stop feeling guilty and saying "I'm sorry".
See mistakes as valuable lessons and avoid judging yourself.

Consciously generate positive thoughts and feelings of self-love
in place of old thoughts of inadequacy.

Be willing to laugh at yourself and at life.
Stop taking yourself so seriously.

Accept compliments from others without embarrassment.
Don't invalidate their positive thoughts and feelings about you.

Be kind to your mind.
Don't hate yourself for having negative thoughts.
Gently change your thoughts.

Keep your awareness and your thoughts focussed in present time
instead of living in the past or future.

Acknowledge others frequently.
Tell them what you like and appreciate in them.

Invest money in yourself.
Go to seminars, workshops and courses that develop your talents.

Make a list of 10 things
you love doing and do them frequently.

Treat yourself as you would treat someone you really loved.
Praise yourself.

soul food of the week

Too delicious for words!
Try it - you deserve it!!

brisbane vintage fashion fair

Hi lovelies - if you're a vintage lover like myself, have this Friday night or Saturday free, are around the area + are keen for a rummage, get your cute little butts along to the Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair! This is the first one I've been able to attend + I'm really looking forward to checking it out + hopefully finding some beautiful treasures! I've heard great things about the past fairs (thanks Mum for knowing me so well!) so fingers crossed for this one. An excuse to dress in your lovely vintage threads + to look at amazing pieces from a time gone by? I can't think of a reason why not! More details + images below from the Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair site...



What...
Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair

Where...
Souths Rugby Clubhouse, Davies Park, Cnr Montague Rd & Jane St, West End

Why...
Celebrate vintage style with amazing fashions, accessories, jewellery and adornments, from the Victorian, Edwardian and Jazz Age era’s, the Fabulous Fifties, Swinging Sixties, through to the Disco Seventies and Power Packed Eighties, all gathered by keen collectors and specialists.

When...
Friday 26th June - 6pm til 10pm (Admission: $10 + free entry on Sat)
Saturday 27th June - 8am til 3pm (Admission: $8)

Details...
• Some of our stallholders have EFTPOS facilities - most accept cash only.
• Remember to fill out your Lucky Door Prize entry form for the chance to win a $200 voucher to spend on vintage goodies at the next BVFF. The entry box is located on the upper level of the Fair!
• Visit the BVFF website for a map, more photos from past events + more details!

thought of the day | 25th june

There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren't the way you had hoped they would be, that's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better.

There are times when people disappoint you and let you down, but those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself and all that you are capable of.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them.

Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are. So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be, because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you.

Keep believing in yourself.

thought of the day | 23rd june

Promise Yourself...

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.

To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticise others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud word, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

Christian D Larson

romance dot com

THANK YOU husby for making my day!!

My lovely husband just surprised me with a cupcake! Not just a cupcake - but my favourite kind: with pink icing + sprinkles! Not only did it have pink icing + sprinkles, it also WAS pink - the actual cupCAKE!


Hello beautiful cupcake!

I am super stoked + smiley on this rainy Monday afternoon!

thought of the day | 22nd june

When you set an intention, when you commit, the entire universe conspires to make it happen.


-Sandy Forste

Hope everyone had lovely weekends, made the most of their days + smiled alot! I spent mine mainly with my amazing family + couldn't be happier! Also mastered the art of making a 10 second mini lemon meringue tart - my life is so much better!! :)

thought of the day | 19th june

Follow your bliss.

If you do follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in the field of your bliss, and they open the doors to you.
I say, follow your bliss and don't be afraid... and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be. If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn't have opened for anyone else.

- Joseph Campbell

ask nikki || wardrobe staples ||

A requested post by the loveliest sisters I've come to know through the world wide web of blogging: Alicia, Brittney & Carissa - my thoughts on and a list of wardrobe staples. This turned into a massive post, but I hope you can all take something from it + that it helps you in some way. Grab a coffee, tea, hot chocolate or chai and read on!


^ Rachel Zoe - a wardrobe I'd like to raid!

Firstly everything must be a good fit. If anything doesn't fit anymore (who cares, it's not a big deal - if you have put on weight, we're women! Our bodies change - embrace your curves!), if anything makes you feel frumpy/less than a goddess, make a mental note as to why + then remind yourself if you find yourself in that position again - pass it onto a friend that it might suit, sell at markets, sell on ebay! You know as well as I do that holding onto that pair of skinny jeans (Miranda, Sex & The City anyone?) is harmful to your attitude and self confidence - everytime you look at them, everytime you grab them to see if they magically fit your body now - you are taunting yourself + loosing some of your happy gorgeous essence! It's time to move on lovers! Have a think about what colours suit you, that make you happy, that match your eyes, your skin tone - you don't have to suit every colour - just stick to what feels amazing! Make sure when you purchase new items that they tie back with other items in your wardrobe or you won't get your moneys worth - whether it be coats/cardis to layer back with in winter, or the right pair of shoes or bag to wear with it - odd pieces just don't get worn.

I've heard people say you never know who you might run into, or the other one about what underwear you might be wearing if you die (morbid, but it sprang to mind!) - all valid points leading back to wearing clothes that you are happy in that add to your confidence rather than make you feel self conscious. Clothes should be an extension of you, your personality - which are individual and beautiful! Don't diminish that by wearing less than 'you' clothes - you have the right to shine + to be the beautiful person you are!

I don't really believe in saving clothes for good occasions. This is no way to live! Saving up the amazing pieces that make you feel a million bucks for some event that doesn't even exist yet?! (And in the meantime, they sit at the back of the wardrobe before you forget about them and when an occasion does show up, you're off to the shops looking for another new dress!) You don't have to look drab through the working week and only let yourself shine when you are out & about on the weekends! Reflect yourself everyday in your clothing choices & you will be on top of the world!

I also don't believe in trends. Trends are created for the fashion houses/magazines/stores to keep you spending spending spending - don't buy into it! Try and get to know yourself and your style. Trends get pimped so much that you feel 'so five minutes ago' in a matter of months - how expensive & ridiculous! If something becomes trendy that feels 'you' that's another story - because when it goes 'out of style' as all trends do, you'll still be rocking it proudly because it's essentially your style and it couldn't look dated if it tried. I'm personally all about classic - but there is nothing wrong with experimentation, if it's for the right reasons - not to try and feel above other people, or to make dressing some kind of competition - that hurts the soul.

I think if you are confident your style will emerge. It's all about knowing what feels right for you, what colours/styles/details make your heart sing. If you have a wardrobe full of pieces that make you feel happy - you will project that onto the world with your smile + swagger! Make it happen baby!

I find the best way to work out what I need is to re-arrange my wardrobe into colours as well as pants/tops/dresses etc and see where there are gaps that could magically tie other pieces in your wardrobe together. Keep a list - look at it often - you will find what you are after in time.

TOPS
• Simple/Casual - ie: V neck tee
• Classic - ie: Button up collared white shirt
• Dressy - ie: Silk camis

UNDERWEAR
• Essential: Nude bras, underwear + slips. Nude & black hosiery
• Special: Lacey, fun, sexy underwear

BOTTOMS
• Pencil Skirt
• Jeans
• Tailored trousers

DRESSES
• Summer/versatile dress
• Classic/corporate dress
• Million buck$ dress

COATS
• Blazer
• Cardigan
• Winter Coat/Pea Coat/Trench Coat

SHOES
• Simple summer sandal
• Flats (enclosed ie: ballet flat)
• Heels
• Boots

ACCESSORIES
• Earrings (simple & classic studs as well as large statement pieces)
• Scarves (silk, pashminas, knitted etc)
• Cocktail ring
• Sunglasses
• Bags (clutch, everyday bag, statement)

EXTRAS
• Bikini/full piece/swim wear - whatever it may be, only buy it if it makes you feel comfortable, sexy, confident, happy. There's nothing worse than dreading hopping into your swimmers come Summer - you can make this an easier task! Certain pieces suit certain body types etc. Personally if you are stumped, I don't think anyone has ever looked bad in a 50s inspired one piece - amazing fit on the bust, hugs curves or makes them if you're lacking, skims over the hips for a more flattering look on the thighs.

• Gym clothes that make you feel good + that will make you confident to get off your butt + started on your workout!

I hope this helped you guys in some way + that you can take something from it. I'm sure I could have probably rambled on for much longer on this subject, so if you have any other questions or want me to go into specifics of something, just send me an email or leave a comment on this post. I'm more than happy to help!

Have a beautiful day!!

thought of the day | 17th june

May you be inspired today...

May you be encouraged to travel your path with sure feet, confident in your direction.

May you be spurred on to explore, to face the challenge, to go to the next level.

May you experience many moments when you want to stand up and shout, “Hazzah! How grand this life is and I want more of it!”

May you fall asleep exhausted but giddy with anticipation for what is to come, as though you cannot wait until the morning to continue the adventure,  to see what glorious miracles are going to occur.

And finally, may you realize your power to create such a day and such a life for yourself for you truly do possess it.

Have an exciting day!

- Tiffany Prochera

beautiful nature...

Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.

Henry David Thoreau





















* Assorted images from my inspiration folder.

flair vintage @ facebook

Hi lovelies, just letting you know I have set up a facebook page for Flair Vintage which I will use to keep everyone up to date. All available pieces will be in photo albums with links to the store as well as the sold out pieces (so you can claim your treasure!). You can post on the wall, add your own photos of you rocking out your FV loves, contribute to the discussion board as well as write reviews! Would love to have you there in a little community + would ADORE if you were brave and showed us your styling FV outfits! Just click on the link below to send you the the page + please join up!

Flair Vintage's Facebook Page

Promote Your Page Too

thought of the day | 15th june

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Albert Schweitzer

aloha world!

Hope everyone had beautiful weekends! I had a lovely one, busy + fun but also productive + relaxing - a great combo to ease into Monday I reckon!

Had a relaxing Friday night with wine, enchiladas + movies.
Spent Saturday morning treasure hunting + catching up with Julia for a champagne brekky @ my fave vintage store Retro Shiela. Treasures accumulated= tan gloves, black oversized wool cardi, white crochet knit cardi, 2x cushion covers, 3x crystal wine glasses (but smashed one getting out of the car with my treasures, oops!) and a sweet vintage tablecloth. Stoked! Cruised home from my adventure to swap the car with hubby (one car=sharing is caring!) then promptly got picked up by my girlfriends for a lunch/arvo of wine + cheese - yum fun! Got back in time to get dolled up for the grand re-opening of Neverland (free cocktails=I'm in!) + tried to work out an appropriate outfit to keep me warm, but alas didn't squeeze in an outfit shot, although I have a head shot of Mick + I - you can see his rad houndstooth blazer + my belt as a headband and my (trademark yet? hehe) Morange lips! Had a rad night with the crew!



Sunday included a rare sleep in, wardrobe clean up, Bewitched watching, bruschetta + wine picnic lunch, Flair Vintage update + homemade vegie puff pastry pizza (a concoction I've been wanting to master - success!) All in all, a gorgeous weekend in the not too cold Winter sunshine.









I did a massive update on Flair Vintage to help everyone through their winter blues with a massive injection of COLOUR!! Lots of beautiful dresses to layer up, some blazers, a yummy warm jumper + a bunch of scarves to keep those lovely necks warm + bright through the colder months. I hope you enjoy!

Some of my favourites...


Emerald Green Body Con Mini Dress


Purple Bright Striped Mini Dress


Raspberry Blazer


Teal Floral Scarf

PS: if you want to be the first to get notified of Flair Vintage updates, use the following link for your RSS viewers (Google Reader etc) - http://www.flairvintage.com/products.rss

thought of the day | 12th june

It is only with our hearts and souls, not our eyes, that we can see our way clearly.

Happy friday my lovelies! Another working week comes to a close - I hope you have had a wonderful week so far, that you have a smile on your face + that through all the little things that make up each day that you are happy + content.

It is sunny today and not quite as cold as the past few days + I am rugged up with my white winter warmies - I am snuggly + smiley with my 3rd day in a row Morange lips! Hooray! A little happy snap to share...



I'm looking forward to a weekend of sunshine, treasure hunting, wine sipping, catch-ups, dancing + relaxing. I also will have an update on Flair Vintage for you all, so keep your eyes peeled! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend + shine your little lights bright!!

thought of the day | 11th june

All around you are great fields of vibrant energy pulsing with life: flowers, rocks, mountains, oceans, animals, and humans. You are a brilliant field of spectacular energy. All of you is vibrating, pulsing, singing, dancing and living. The kind of "song" you vibrate depends on your thoughts, words, and actions. Be awake. Feel the laughing universe all around you. Your life is always filled with joy, overflowing with opportunities, brimming with happiness.



Try laughing right now. Go on laugh. Go ahead. Take a chance on yourself. Take a chance on love. Close your eyes and just laugh for no reason at all. Just begin to laugh. Remember how it feels to feel? Bring that feeling back into yourself. Remember how it feels to feel happy. Hold those feelings.



Fields of vibrating energy are the fabric of this reality. Laughter will become the origin of your feelings, will change the manifestation of your feelings, will determine the outcome of your actions. Everything comes from you. You are the creative source of your life. The whole world constantly feeds you with information. You have the power to interpret that information. Only you. You are exactly what you have made you.

J Lyons

my life now includes morange!

Thanks to a certain Pretty Young Thing, I now am the proud owner of one of my little lust items: Morange lipstick by MAC.

A little parcel turned up in my letterbox today with the sweetest note + my beloved Morange enclosed - I have hardly stopped smiling since! What a gorgeous, selfless, sweet thing to do! I contemplated waiting until I was wearing a more appropriate outfit (other than the current yoga pants, multiple cardis, layered tops + scarf - it's cold today!!) but I couldn't resist and had to pop a little lippy on to brighten my day even further!



I am so stoked to have met such great people through this blog + that people can take away something good/positive/uplifting from here - that makes me ridiculously happy!!

So hold your red lippies high (swipe a little on for a touch of glamour to your Wednesday) & lets have a big cyberspace CHEERS to YOU!!!

thought of the day | 10th june

Those who are awake
live in a state of constant amazement.

-Buddha

A ridiculously huge loving warm-wintery-cuddling THANK YOU to Lisa for making my day today!! You are an amazing spirit & you really brought an amazing bright light to my cold wintery working day. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!

Also a MASSIVE thank you to all my beautiful readers, my family, my friends, everyone who takes the time to smile, say a kind word, share the beautiful simple joy of LIVING... I feel so much love & gratitude toward you all.

Have an amazing day!!

happy monday

Hope everyone is enjoying the week so far - I sure am considering we've just enjoyed a lovely sunny & relaxing long weekend!
The weekend that was: punch, friends, goodbyes, rock&roll, the best hungarian bread in the world, wine, long chats, movies til 2am, beautiful calm winter sunshine.. Alot to be thankful for!

Me chilling out today in my Bettina Liano acid wash jeans, layered vintage slips & my comfy fave Witchery cardigan..



Also have updated Flair Vintage with some fabulous pieces - click HERE to have a little looksie!





Now off to make a yummy veg & rice dish for dinner & then relax on the couch with some chai and a movie - happy Monday everyone!!

winter sun..

True to it's name - the festival located in the heart of Coolangatta celebrating all things rock & roll nostalgic - was buzzing with energy on a gorgeous sunny Saturday morning. Since I was younger & my folks took us on a holiday amongst the old rock & rollers, Wintersun has had a little special spot in my heart. The amount of people that get into the spirit is amazing! People showing off their hot rods & vintage cars like they are school projects getting marked on; the old couples dancing in the streets in their matching outfits; the pin up girls with their perfect curls, curves & makeup - it's love!

Alas I had zero luck on the shopping front this time which was a bit disappointing as I was hoping to have a little splurge. Not to worry though, I best be sticking to my home saving budget anyway! Here are some highlights from my little adventure, including the caravan of my dreams!








PS: the Village Markets got rained out on Sunday so there went that little rummaging adventure! The saving gods are really on my side! Will look forward to checking it out next month :)

friday funday

how to make your (fri)days that little more fun + fabulous...

• wear something that sparkles (in my case gold/rhinestone earrings purchased from ebay for the cost of a coffee)
• appreciate the sunshine - even just stand in it's warmth for a few moments
• acknowledge the simple beauty of a gorgeous flower, but don't pick it this time - let it live for others to see it too
• admire a new old purchase (in my case this gorgeous pale gold knitted cardigan that founds it's way into my life yesterday)
• paint your nails + your toes in a colour that makes you happy (in my case - revlon 'craving coral')
• make yourself some 'soul' food: yummy, fresh, healthy, makes you feel amazing food (in my case - tortilla wrap with three bean mix, garlic, mexican spices, mozzarella, sour cream, avocado, tomato, capsicum, shallots, spinach + rocket.. not to mention the yummy mexican dip I will be making for tonight's festivities or the wholegrain oats/honey/sultana brekky i enjoyed - mmm soul food!)
• get excited to glam up for a night out with friends - possibly even plan a combined effort super fabulous punch into the mix!
• smile - when you're alone, to others, to the cashier selling you your punch ingredients..
• be thankful that you are you - that you are amazing + that there are infinite opportunites to enjoy life + savour happiness..

have a lovely weekend all, especially my fellow queenslanders enjoying the long weekend! make sure if you're in the area, to check out the rock + rollin' @ wintersun in coolangatta, the village markets in burleigh on sunday + make the most of this gorgeous weather that's finally upon us! much love to you all!