Wheels and Dollbaby’s Dita Von Teese Cardigan

6 May

pink-bannerI love Dita Von Teese.  I love fashion.  The two worlds have always collided, but this is one collision that has had me seeing stars for over a year.  Wheels and Dollbaby, an awesome Australian clothing line paired up with burlesque superstar, Dita Von Teese to create the much coveted and very sold out line of exclusive cardigans.  At the time they were released I was dying for one, but wasn’t so sure of the $190 AUD pricetag, so I pondered and pondered then poof, they were all gone.

pink2Until a few weeks ago!  I just happened to run ‘Wheels & Dollbaby’ through an Ebay search and the glorious peach and black version of the cardigan came up. It was still new and unworn.  I just knew that there would be a bidding frenzy, so I stayed up late staring at the screen and no bids were going through.  ”It shall be mine!” I said aloud, all alone in my most maniacal voice.  Then it happened.  My internet got the hiccups.  Because I had waited until the last possible second to place my bid in hopes that I would win it, I didn’t get a bid in at all.  I was on the verge of tears.  Dramatic, yes, but once you see this lovely you will understand the obsession.  But not only did my bid not go through, no one else bid!!!  This is a cardigan that has gone for upwards of $800 on Ebay.  I emailed the seller immediately and told her what had happened and that I still really wanted it.  She was so gracious, and I think a little happy to avoid Ebay taking their cut, that she agreed to a transaction via Paypal outside of Ebay.

Not only was my seller amazing, she was in the US.  Most Wheels and Dollbaby Dita cardigans are found on Ebay Australia, and even then you have to pray that the seller will ship internationally.  My seller was in California, so I had it within just a few days.

DVTI opened the shipping box to find inside a beautiful box with a windowpane through which I could see the beautiful peach confection that was now mine. I lifted off the lid and gently touched the sweater as if I was touching a lover for the very first time. It is the softest, most luxurious knit I’ve ever felt.  I was overjoyed.

The pictures speak for themselves.  This is truly gorgeous and unique and so worth the luxurious pricetag.  So, why am I bragging about this gorgeous thing that you cannot get anymore (unless you luck out on Ebay like I did!)? Because, dear fellow pinup loving fashionista, there will be new Dita cardigans in THREE brand new colorways, which are still a mystery.  But, I do know one little secret, but shhhh, don’t tell anyone…they are coming out this May!  So stay tuned to the Wheels & Dollbaby website and their Facebook page.  These are sure to sell out again, so don’t hesitate like I did!

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Handiedan Exhibit at Thinkspace Gallery

22 Apr

Banner3Great art is not just about aesthetic beauty and how nice it looks hanging on a wall or sitting on a shelf.  Truly great art changes and influences the way you view the world.  I left the Elegant Universe exhibit of Handiedan’s work feeling an optimism about the world that has frankly been a bit dimmed for some time.

There are so many people in the world wasting time being miserable, spending time being nasty to eachother and to themselves.  Elegant Universe left me with such a feeling of excitement and optimism.  Having the chance to shake the hand that creates such beauty was such an honor. Handiedan is absolutely lovely.  She is so warm and welcoming, taking the time to talk to each of her fans, signing postcards, and posing for pictures.

Chanel-and-HandiedanI discovered Handiedan after stumbling upon BeautifulBizarreArt on Tumblr.  From the first glimpse of Handiedan’s work, I was enthralled, it really spoke to my aesthetic sensibilities.  You can really see that she throws her heart and soul into her work.  Each piece has the kind of detail you could stare at for hours upon hours.  Each collage has innumerable layers of beauty and depth.  It is so perfect. It really is something you can only feel, words can’t adequately describe it.

I left with the feeling that for all of the assholes out in the world, for all the negativity and ugliness, there are the Handiedan’s of the world who are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. Shining a light over the bleakness that sometimes exists in the world. They are sharing their various talents and they are reminding each of us of our own potential.  While their talents are unique to them, the feeling of optimism their art can give us is universal, a gift we can each give someone else with our own art, whether it be baking a cake, drawing a picture, or sharing a smile with a stranger.  It’s the reminder I needed that the universe really is an elegant place and that even when I can’t find exactly where I am, I have my place in it and it’s the right place.

handiedan-paintingI was reminded why I love art so much.  I am a woman of small means, but I love that I can buy a print, go to an exhibit, meet an artist, and know that I am helping in my own tiny little way to support the artists that make the world a better, beautiful, creative place, and that also make my home a more beautiful place and open my heart to all the beauty the universe has to offer.

Go out and be inspired if you’re in the Southern California area.  Handiedan’s Elegent Universe will be on display until April 27th at Thinkspace Gallery.

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Pinup Girl Clothing Canvas Underskirt

20 Mar

leopard-bannerSince the 1500′s the petticoat has been a staple in women’s fashion.  It has evolved over the centuries into the fabulous fluffy skirts we all know and love.  I love wearing a full petticoat on special occasions but find them to be overly poofy and inconvenient for daily wear.  Enter the amazing Black Canvas Underskirt designed by Pinup Girl Couture.  The design was inspired by similar undergarments created by Dior in the 40′s and 50′s.  The instant I saw it, I knew it had to be mine.

It is made of a heavy canvas in two tiers that fastens at the elastic waist with two heavy duty metal snaps.  The snaps go in the front.  I fluffed out the two tiers of canvas prior to putting it on and it really doesn’t flatten much once garments are put on over it.  Because of the short length, I was a little concerned that I’d have a “drop-off” effect in any longer length dresses.  This was not a problem at all.

leopard-before-and-afterI wore it with my leopard Heidi dress and it gave just the right amount of fullness without adding ‘weight’, which was a fear of mine.  It’s perfect if you’re on the slimmer side and want to add some curves under your dress silhouettes, and also perfect if you’re already curvy and just want some nice fluff without knocking people over as you pass by.  Well, you’ll still knock them over, but it won’t be because of your oversized petticoat.

This little number is fantastic. It adds the perfect amount of poof while still allowing you to use a public restroom, drive a car, and all the other things that a full petticoat disallows. My waist waivers between 28-29″ and I got the medium. For $36 this is a STEAL. You will not be disappointed!

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1940′s Dragon Queen

4 Mar

dragon-bannerSometimes there are pieces of fashion that I am drawn to and I don’t know why.  They are things outside of my comfort zone, things I look at over and over again trying to figure out what it is about them.  The Dixiefried Peasant Dress in 1940′s Dragon Print is one such dress.  I was very drawn to the photos on the website.  I was drawn to the rich cake-frosting-blue matte jersey peasant top, and of course to the brightly colored dragons.  I was worried though that the cut may not look good on me, and maybe the top might be unflattering, blah, blah, blah.  It just wasn’t my usual “style.” But, then I caved because I was under it’s spell and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

dragon-dressThe fabric is so pretty.  The top is fully lined in a smooth charmeuse, so it feels great against your skin (and keeps any potential bra-bling from snagging the chiffon-like matte jersey).  The dragon print is a nice cotton sateen with enough stretch to hug your curves and be very flattering.  It has a zipper up the back.  The peasant style top gives it some versatility; you can wear it either on or off the shoulder (you all know me by now–I went off the shoulder).

More than the beautiful, colorful details, the way this dress made me feel was what really stood out.  I have a lot of dresses from the Pinup Couture and Deadly Dames lines, but this was my very first Dixiefried.  I feel exotic in this dress.  I feel sexy and demure.  I feel a little like a 1940′s screen siren.  I wish I had better pictures because these photos can’t do justice to how great this looks in person.

It would be amazing with a great updo and maybe some chopsticks in your hair.  A nice shawl can only add to the glamourous vibe on the more chilly nights.  What can I say?  Pinup Girl has once again made me feel amazing, and this time in the form of a fierce, fiery dragon slayer.

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Be Still My Heart Of Darkness: Kreepsville 666 Elvira Tunic & Vampira Sunglasses

14 Feb

elvira-bannerI’ve always had a little darkness in my heart.  And I’ve always been a sucker for dark hair, pale skin and cleavage.  So it makes perfect sense that my beauty heroes include Elvira, Vampira, Morticia, and Lily.  Although, if we are getting technical, I believe Lily Munster was actually green.  Still, all of these women invoked a dark sensuality.  An ownership of their own glamour, not succumbing to what should be considered pretty.  They were sexy because they were different, and they gave little gothy hearted girls like me something to look up to and something to look forward to.

elvira-frontThe Kreepsville 666 Elvira Cobweb tunic dress drew me in right away.  With Elvira sprawled across a spiderweb, in simple black and white, my little black heart skipped a beat.  It is made of a soft cotton t-shirt material, very light weight with plenty of stretch.  It has a low scooped neckline so it can be worn on or off the shoulder.  You can definitely wear it as a mini dress with some tights if you’re feeling super vampy and daring.  I paired it with some leggings for a more modest look.  The greatness lies in the comfort.  I feel like I am wearing a t-shirt, but in fact look like I actually put myself together.  The back has some pretty large text that reads “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.”  I was at first a bit concerned about this, but I like it in person, it adds a fun sort of punk rock edge to the tunic.

I got mine at Sourpuss.

elvira-glassesThen there is Vampira, the most mysterious lady of them all.  Even if these sunglasses weren’t a take on the original ones designed specifically for Vampira, I would still have drooled for them because, well, they are amazing.  I scored these from a limited run via the official Vampira page on Facebook.  I see them pop up every now and again on the page so all hope is not lost.  I missed out on the edition twice before I was able to actually score a pair.  You can stay tuned here for more information on Vampira and these badass glasses.

Now, I know there was a little rivalry between the Mistress of the Dark and The Original Glamour Ghoul which you can read about here, but I still love them both, so I have no problem wearing a little Elvira and Vampira mixed together.

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Emilie Autumn Fights Like A Girl

31 Jan

autum-bannerI am new to the manic, magic, beautiful and terrifying world of Emilie Autumn.  I hate to compare one artist to another because no one is the same, and Emilie certainly has a style of performance all her own.  However, for the ease of my dear reader who may not have heard of Miss Autumn just yet, I will tell you my first impression of the artist.  I had $5 in Amazon.com credit to spend on MP3s and I noticed this delicious album art in the $5 “sale” section of the website.  I quickly clicked and discovered that the beauty in the artwork was Emilie Autumn and this was Opheliac.

EmilieAutumn-227x300I listened to one 30 second sample and downloaded it right away.  She had a rich voice, deep at times and soprano at others.  She reminded me a little bit of Tori Amos and a little bit of Amanda Palmer/The Dresden Dolls.  The music has an overlying cabaret feel but with a much more sinister underbelly.  This is not to say that if you love Tori or you love Amanda that I guarantee your love for Emilie, but I will say there is a terribly good chance you and I are attracted to the same aesthetic quality in the music we love most.

In this instance, I did judge a book by its cover, because let’s face it, what a cover!  But I immediately realized upon listening that Emilie Autumn was no simple pretty girl singing songs and dressing up.  She had substance, she was a pretty girl singing songs and dressing up in fabulous fashion, BUT she was also dark.  And fucked up.  And honest and heart wrenching all at once.  I was hooked.
Screen Shot 2013-01-29 at 9.29.47 PMThe second album I bought was her newest release Fight Like A Girl.  It contains music that I love on a cellular level.  It has a dirty, burlesque, insane asylum appeal that I can’t turn away from, and really don’t want to.  I started doing my research and learned that there are plans in the works for her to make a musical based on her autobiographical novel The Asylum For Wayward Victorian Girls, which I have yet to pick up, but intend to devour very soon.  I became even more enthralled with her and found that she was going on tour.  I promptly bought my ticket and waited for January 31st to arrive.

 My show was at The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  The first thing I noticed was that there was no opening band.  Emilie’s show began promptly at 9pm which is certainly rare.  The set and lights were already up and there was 30s-40s music playing over the loudspeakers.  The Bloody Crumpets appear on stage first, these are Emilie’s beautiful and each uniquely talented, backup singers/dancers/entertainers.  Both women were stunningly beautiful and quite funny in the roles they played.  Emilie’s world takes place in an insane asylum where the true horrors of humanity happen within the confines of this perceived safe place.  I don’t want to spoil any special moments but I will say there was sexy debauchery, some fire, some feathers and lots of cheeky fun. Emilie sounded great live following a couple technical sound hiccups at the start of the show.

EA PINKMy only criticism is the venue.  This show has so much potential for greatness and really is much more of a theatrical performance than a rock concert.  It deserves a real art house with theatre seats.  I feel that some of the dramatic effect may have been lost in the standing, chatting crowd.  I am very much looking forward to seeing what Emilie has in store for us next and I am hoping that the next time this tour comes around it costs twice as much and is in a theatre.  I will be there.

If you have the chance to see Emilie live in your town, take it.  I have a feeling we won’t always get to see her in such intimate venues.  I think this show is going to blow up, and she deserves it.

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Meet Shop Emerald City- An Interview

22 Jan

mermaid-banner

I was so excited when Shop Emerald City contacted me to write for their blog.  I am such a big fan of what they do and the amazing, unique items they sell.  I want you to meet and love them too, so without further ado, I am taking you on a virtual date (and of course I’m paying).  Meet Ian, creator extraordinaire.  I asked him the hard hitting questions I know you were all dying to ask.  You’re welcome.

1. How did the idea for Shop Emerald City come about? Where did the name come from?

SkullBowEmerald City was born in early 2012 and started out with a table in a spare room, and a $99 sewing machine. Since then we have grown heaps and I must admit I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its success so far.

2. Where do you see Shop Emerald City headed in the near and distant future?

LimeCrimeI have been really surprised at how we have grown so much inside 12 months and so I see the near future as one of consolidation, improving, continual growth and a far greater range of products, both handmade here in Australia as well as supporting other creatives worldwide. I would also like to focus on and offer a great range of products in the plus sizes, something that a lot of shops seem to neglect. The distant future would see Emerald City becoming a community of designers, creatives and consumers. Online shopping is meant to be fun and so in both the near and distant future, I would always see Emerald City being about fun. We may get bigger but I am determined to have our customer service element grow at an equal pace.

3.  I see that you are very hands on in your business (i.e. cutting the leggings yourself).  Do you have a hand in designing and creating most of the products?

I am very hands on with the making. I select, cut, sew, label, wrap, post, do all the paperwork, clean, and make a great cup of coffee. I have a great team who keeps me very grounded. I like to have a go at everything and wouldn’t ask anyone to do something unless I have either done it myself or am willing to try.  I hope to be involved a lot more with design in 2013. I am also keen in taking on more talent and designers.

4. Tell us something about yourself.

KnickersDamn, I hate this question! I am not very good at self promotion. I regard myself as a people person. I live a comfortable but modest life with my partner Victoria who is a great support to me. I like to keep my personal life private and separate from my business life (where possible!). At the end of day I am me, I enjoy what I am currently doing. It’s fun. I like to focus on positive energy. My other love is Vintage and Classic motorcycles, having restored to concourse condition a 1951 BSA A10 650cc Plunger. Oh, and I would have to also mention my second greatest passion, that great Californian band, The Doobie Brothers, as well as John Fogerty and CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival). Some would describe this passion to be more like an obsession. Fine food and a good red wine also are passions of mine.

5. Is it true that you live in an Emerald mansion?

Oh how I wish, and how easy would it be to say yes. But try a very modest, 4 bedroom house in north Brisbane Queensland. I’m comfortable, but it aint a mansion!

6. What inspires you?

MedusaWell the world didn’t end in 2012 as predicted, so that is an inspiration! A lot of things inspire me but I don’t have a list of things like people, songs, history, events, books or art that inspire me. To me inspiration can be found anywhere, and most of the time it’s something intangible or difficult to define. When I think of the things that do inspire me, they all seem to fall under the umbrella of good hard work, respect, integrity and a commitment to do what you believe and go where you want to go and be.

7. What is your favorite mermaid movie?

The Secret of Roan Inish

8. What was your day job before becoming the owner of Shop Emerald City?

ConcreteI hope you’re sitting down when you read this. My day job before becoming the owner of Emerald City was the 28 years I spent in the Australian Army, reaching the rank of Major. The contrast between that and owning Emerald City couldn’t be any greater. I often laugh when I think that one day, I was the Second in Command of an Australian Artillery Regiment, the next, I found myself sitting in front of a sewing machine! I’m also qualified in high school teaching.

9. What do you want the world to know about Shop Emerald City?

MermaidBowWe are a small organisation focused on customer service above all else. We have only been trading since February 2012, but have grown substantially since then. It doesn’t matter how big we get, my focus will always be on customer service. We try and find the best products for the best price. We also cater to all people and their varying means. We completely understand that for many, money does not come easy and many have to work hard to save up to treat themselves to something nice, and so we like to make it our business that customers get a good value and high quality products at  a very fair price. Hearing a customer tell us that our customer service is first class just makes us work harder to improve their shopping experience with us. It is what drives us.

10. What is your favorite curse word?

Generally “Fuck,” but light-heartedly, “Shit,” “Bugger,” “Poo Bum Wee.”

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