Lazy Hazy Crazy

Cole Porter once sang about wishing that the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" would never end, but frankly, when it's 40 + degrees here in Queensland, it's hard to share his enthusiasm! Obviously I'm more of a winter girl, but at least this mini-heatwave has given me the opportunity to bust out some sweet vintage ensembles... 

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LOOK #1

Dress: Vintage, Shane elastane

Sandals: Betts for Her patent

Bag: Vintage, 1960s raffia (from Hawaii)

Beaded Bracelet: Wanfu Jewellery jade

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This outfit is about as minimalist as I get - a vibrant, floral baby-doll dress (given to me by a dear friend's mother) with cute little bow neckline detail, mixed with a pair of patent gladiator flats & a bright, woven raffia handbag to capture that "beachy," holiday vibe. When it came to jewellery, less was more - in this case a gorgeous jade beaded bracelet that my brother Louis brought back from China as my birthday present. Apparently, the more you wear it, the more the colour of each of the beads change due to body heat, which is amazing to witness & in that respect, it truly IS the gift that keeps on giving... 

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LOOK #2

Dress: Vintage, 1970s American Climax cotton (from Hawaii)

Slip: TS elastane

Sandals: Bare Traps

Bag: Vintage, 1950s (Gift)

Cuff: Unknown, silver & shell

Bangles: Oxfam pine

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Avid readers of this blog would know how much I LOVE wearing muu-muus, despite their reputation as mere "shapeless sacks." This incredible vintage cotton option (a Christmas gift from a dear friend who lives in Hawaii) is floaty & cool in the heat, especially the sleeves, which have an "angel wing" shape - timely for the festive season - while the cream tie dye bodice detail adds visual interest. 

Casual sandals were a MUST & these embellished babies were both comfortable & stylish, particularly when mixed with this structured vintage woven raffia handbag with gold handle & clasp - another early Christmas present all the way from Wodonga! Relaxed jewellery completed the look, with a pair of carved pine bangles from Oxfam & a silver & shell flower cuff that was found at a little boutique on the coast, the name of which escapes me. Scroll down for a closer look at each item:

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LOOK #3

Dress: Vintage, late 1970s Lady Jayne poly-blend (from Brighton)

Slip: TS elastane

Heels: Target patent

Bag: Vintage, 1960s shell (from Hawaii)

Beaded Wrap Bracelet: Creative Waves

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Eccentric prints make up around 70% of my wardrobe & this one is a doozy: girls in Art Deco attire enjoying a day by the seaside, umbrellas & all! The "swingy" smock (a gift from a friend who bought it as a souvenir in Brighton) has a matching tie belt, but seeing as it was so hot & I wanted to keep it breezy, I decided to wear it as a headwrap instead, adding to the ensemble's vintage feel. It should probably also be noted here that the dress is particularly see-through so a slip was required for modesty purposes - in this case my trusty elastane version from TS, which did the job admirably. 

With regards to accessories, a pair of flesh tone patent pumps were mixed with a quirky vintage handbag made entirely of shells (imagine the workmanship that must have gone into it!) that came to me express from Hawaii for a smart-casual feel, whilst the only piece of jewellery was a red beaded wrap bracelet on my right wrist. See below for a more detailed view:

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On the fifth day of Christmas

My true love sent to me:

Five gold rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens

Two turtle doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

Although the traditional Christmas colours may be red & green, alternatives such as pink have crept into our consciousness over time & I, for one, believe that the addition of more hues from the colour wheel only serve to create a more vibrant, visually arresting Christmas display. 

#1 Court Jester

This court jester was a party favour from an Art Deco themed celebration I attended last year & although not "hanging" on the tree in the strictest sense, his presence fills the space & elevates the display to a new level of opulence.

#2 Elf on a Shelf... er, Tree Branch...

This little Christmas elf was given as yet another favour at the same party & much like the jester, "sits" on the tree rather than "hangs" from it. Nonetheless, it adds a touch of colour & cuteness to festive proceedings... 

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