Kelly Doust introduces readers to her wonderful world of reviving and customising vintage pieces, while bringing a modern and unique twist to wearing vintage clothes – Dita Von Teese
The Treasure Hunt is ON
Drive me Miss Daisy
I know I shouldn’t play favourites, but here’s three supercool new entries in the Minxy Vintage Treasure Hunt. Daisy’s a cutie, but you know what would make her a knockout? Some added 60s vintage beading at the neck and hem. Dee’s already snipped her off to a better length for pin-strutting. Watch out.
More, please… vicarious thrills for me, and fab prizes for you.
nutty clutch
Poodle please - Candy Jayne's customised skirt
Bombshell accoutrement at Coco Repose
Sixties brocade Wiggle dress from Coco Repose
So by now you may have seen some of the early publicity for Minxy Vintage (thank you, Marie Claire Magazine) and picked up on the not-so-subtle hints I’ve been dropping about its contents. Get ready to see some truly fabulous vintage pieces – not just the ones I’ve given a minor customisation, repair job or total overhaul to, but classic frock shapes from each era with advice on how to modernise or wear them.
The ‘classic’ items were supplied by my dear friend, Jessica Guthrie, designer & owner of Coco Repose. Jess also wrote the Foreword, and has curated an exhibition opening next week at the Sydney Antique Centre, featuring clothing from the 1900s through to the 1980s; much of which appears in Minxy Vintage. Pop along to the Antique Centre from Monday onwards – the exhibition runs for three weeks, and you can buy many of the pieces displayed and peruse the rest of the Coco Repose stall.
Thanks to Jess, the book has some truly rare, museum-worthy pieces in it I was thrilled to have access to. My wardrobe has also never been better since I’ve been raiding her racks.
Simply love these new/old pieces from the Coco Repose store here – seriously glam items to zhoosh up your evening attire. Don’t you think the yellow & gold number would make a magic wedding outfit?
Vintage beaded evening bag
Such a sunny little frock
Fabulous feather pillbox
Made by White
Loveless Swan brooch, Made by White
I’ve gone brooch-mad for these new pieces by Lyndsay White of Made by White. Each would be the perfect adornment for a full-skirted fifties day dress – very appropriate for the weather we’re having.
Get your legs out, ladies
Castle & Things
Work in progress by Rachel Castle
Rachel Castle is one clever lady. I don’t usually do ‘serious’ art, which is why I adore her whimsical, bright, playful pieces. Check out the website for new designs, beautiful bedlinen I guarantee you’ll love, and pretty paper garlands. Even a sunshine-coloured velvet pompom cushion or two. Delicious.
Have you met Miss Jones?
Want want this haunting owl lamp from beautiful bone china manufacturer, Have you Met Miss Jones, and just about everything else on the website. Whoo, whoo would not?
Candy Stripe Cloud
Tiny things Apple Shelf from Candy Stripe Cloud - perfect for an arigurami (crocheted creatures) display
And more super-cute things to buy. It’s Olive’s 3rd birthday in a few weeks so I’m on the lookout for sweet, original things she’ll keep for decades. On the wishlist? Anything from Candy Stripe Cloud.
Animal-hatted Kewpie Dolls
Village in a Bag play set
Storybook Rabbit
Hand-painted bunny plate from Storybook Rabbit
My new favourite Etsy shop – how fab are the chain-link scarves and reinvented vintage saucers at Storybook Rabbit? And I especially like these unique laser-cut brooches.
Chainlink scarf in Autumn colours
Polka dot bunny brooch
Hipster bunnies
Pinspiration & yet more crochet love
Crocheted mushrooms from I Knit
Hours whizz by perusing Pinterest, the virtual mood board for all things inspiring. Type in crochet, and there you have some of the cutest, weirdest things anyone could think to make. Love it.
Don’t ask me why, but I’m obsessed with crocheting fruit at the moment. The plan is to fill little bowls around the house with fancies (just because I can). Here’s the first attempt below – two pears and a strawberry, made from one of my Japanese pattern books (which is entirely in Japanese – a bit of a punt following its instructions, but we get there in the end). The pears measure about 5cm from top to bottom, using a 1.75mm crochet needle. I’m going solo next, and trying to attempt making my own cherries and apples.
Fruitbowl
Below is our pinboard, depository of all beloved imagery in the kitchen, and the crocheted brooch I made Olive recently but am saving for a day when she won’t cause some horrific accident or maim herself with it (bull in a china shop doesn’t come close to covering it, god love her).
Kitchen pinboard = happiness
Klimt would love this Koigu yarn
And check out my new crochet bag, found at the Rozelle markets a few weeks ago. It’s currently storing the shapes below for a new, Swedish-style blanket I’m whipping up in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino – heaven to touch.
Will this crochet obsession ever end?
A cheery little crochet bag
Another blanket on the way
Super Mario
Oh to have Mario Testino as your wedding photographer. Have you seen these shots of Kate Moss’s wedding to musician Jamie Hince? Fairytale indeed, I’m loving the seventies vibe. Do you think they make the page boy’s military jacket in my size?