Pin Up Fashion – A Tasty Tropical Kitchen

Pin Up Fashion – A Tasty Tropical Kitchen

Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing

Pin Up Girl Clothing Tropical Dress

The first stage of our big renovations are almost coming to a close. That is, that outside stage. I’m at the point of beginning to put in all the new plants for our tropical garden to give it a truly resort style feel. It’s been an interesting organic process, without planning things in minute detail but rather having a big picture and going with the flow. I’m so glad I didn’t get too carried away and try and tackle everything at once. We’ve broken up this project into both indoor and outdoor stages, the indoor stage to come a bit later. Lucky for me as the whole idea I have for my kitchen has changed dramatically in the space of the last three months.

Where I always imagined I’d create some sort of very vintage looking kitchen, in pastels with kitsch trimmings, I’m now lusting after something entirely different.

Visiting the Porter Davis World of Style the first time, I quickly fell in love with this space, my favourite of the lot. A tasty tropical kitchen. Standing behind the counter with the huge glass splash back window, I knew this is what I want my kitchen to be; a tropical feeling, high tech oasis. Imagine the Jetsons built their home on a Thai island and you’ll know exactly what I’m aiming for.

 

Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing

Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing

Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing

Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing

Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing

 

Everything is crisp and bright giving it a kind of tangy feeling, just like a lime. The openness of that window behind the stove is achingly gorgeous, and even if it means I somehow need to install a small fake garden cavity behind my stove area, I WANT THIS! The benches and cabinetry is streamlined and simple, with my favourite silent, smooth glide fittings. And the appliances are all sleek stainless steal with modern lines. I’m no minimalist, and I don’t like the cold, harsh look that often comes with too much modernism; but paired with the beautiful bamboo flooring and wood panel detail, (not to mention my green window obsession), this kitchen is to die for!

I’m guessing that like me, you are looking at the detail in these shots like the incredible carved wooden stools and stone bowls, wondering where you can buy that? Coco Republic provided most of the pieces for World of Style, and when my next pay cheque comes around I’m making a beeline for the store!

 

Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing Vintage tropical hawaiian sarong dress by pin up girl clothing

 

This outdoor entertaining area solved one of my design problems. I adore these bird of paradise plants, but I wanted even more greenery. Then I saw they had installed planter boxes up high as well, so the greenery becomes almost a boarder through which you view everything else! Very clever.

The geometric design of the accessories against the rattan style of furnishing, pulls the whole thing together with the blend of tropical and modernism. I’m now entirely rethinking my accessory plan for the sunroom, and having a lot of fun making up new inspiration boards.

Having the chance to create a space that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle is such a luxury, even the process itself can be delightful (if you don’t have any melt down moments). Even though I’m not the world’s greatest cook, I do spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so I’d like it to match my style!

 

Outfit Details

Tropical faux sarong dress with matching bolero – at Pin Up Girl Clothing the Malibu Tiki dress by Deadly Dames

Leopard print heels with carved Tiki heel (!) – The Wooden Tiki Platform by Pin Up Couture

Red floral piece word at hip – made by me

Nail colour- “Coral Me Wild” by Revlon

Lips – MAC “Russian Red”

Daily Outfit – Glam Bathroom Style

Daily Outfit – Glam Bathroom Style

 

You know how we wish our homes could be reflections of our style and personality? Well, after visiting World Of Style last week, I thought it would be fun to re-visit these spaces with some of my outfits I thought really suited the space.

Today it’s Classic Bathroom style and classic lingerie to match.

 

 

I’d love to have a bathroom this large and lush!

Outfit Details

All in one, open bottom, shaper with suspenders – Kiss Me Deadly “Vargas ” dress.

Stockings – Cervin- Paris.

Gown – Vintage burn out silk velvet with lambs wool trim.

Nail Colour – “I Eat Mainly Lobster” by OPI.

Shot on location at Porter Davis World of Style in South Melbourne.

The Perfect Reproduction Vintage Dress

The Perfect Reproduction Vintage Dress

 

Spring time!

Time to freshen up the wardrobe and start busting out my favourite colours. I don’t have a lot of green in the wardrobe, but as you can see, it features quite strongly in my decor.

This gorgeous two piece ensemble is by Jack’s Daughter here in Melbourne. Everything is hand made from original vintage fabric and trims. Jenny is an absolute gem, making pieces to order and with such attention to detail that I now have at least ten of her creations in my collection.

I also treated myself to some new spring jewellery I’ve wanted for so long. The perfect earring and clamper bracelet set from Chronically Vintage. Jessica has a superb selection in her Etsy store, but this yellow bracelet (earrings not shown here), really took my breath away. I’d never seen these sets in this colour!

 

It may be Spring and only just starting to warm up, but you may have noticed that Lola is being her usual lazy self and hiding out in these shots. The warmth of the sun through the window and the safety of her chair, means she’s not budging for anyone!

Outfit Details

Silken 2 piece vintage reproduction dress – Jack’s Daughter

Kelly Green cardigan – Trashy Diva

Vintage Yellow clamper bangle – Chronically Vintage

Yellow daisy earrings – Lovisa

Shoes – Take 2 Markets find

Daily Outfit – The Japanese Western

Daily Outfit – The Japanese Western

 

First off, I’m so sorry for the big posting delay!  Not only have we be trying to get the new URL change over for the site happening, but then the stupid internet connection goes on the blink! For a week!! My schedule this week has meant I haven’t been able to work around it by heading elsewhere, until today.

Right now, I’m sitting in the Qantas lounge on my way to the Gold Coast for the Pro Blogger Event!

I’m super excited about this one and thrilled to be one of the speakers this weekend as well.  A whole weekend filled with bloggy friends, old and new; it’s rather like being able to visit your home planet. More about that and the gorgeous QT Hotel where we’ll be staying soon. Onto outfit business.

Knowing that I’d be leaving the grey Melbourne skies behind and heading up to the Queensland sun, I had to add a few new dress to my collection. Today’s outfit is a beautiful light weight vintage silk dress from Japan. They were all so beautiful and airy when I saw them on the dealers rack, that I had to have more than one. Now having put them through their paces I know I’ll be back for more.

They are perfect for layering and for travel. Just pop a petticoat underneath, a little cashmere sweater and even stockings if you need extra warmth, then it’s easy enough to lighten up when the sun comes out.

 

Outfit Details

Vintage silk Japanese dress – Frizzy Vintage.

Belt- Elastic cinch belt I’ve had for an age.

Bangle- Op shop find.

Cowboy boots – Retro Star Vintage.

Earrings – Forbidden Charm.

Lipstick – MAC Russian Red.

Daily Outfit – Vintage Dressing Gown Love.

Daily Outfit – Vintage Dressing Gown Love.

I’m about to hit you up with a whole bunch of photos today because, well, puppies!

Actually there are a few things that I really want to show you today, including Loki, but the first is this wonderful vintage dressing gown. You may not know but I have a thing for vintage dressing gowns; they are a collection within my collection.  Not being a fan of track suits for down time, I prefer to have the comfort of lounging pyjamas or beautiful robes that still look good enough for a school run or just hanging about after a long day. They aren’t something that I’ve invested much cash in, but the benefits are priceless.

Today’s robe is one I picked up last week at an Op Shop for $15. It is a gorgeous emerald green velveteen with a gathered detail under the bust, and a rear zip so you don’t need to mess up your hair when you’re getting dressed and ready.

The 3/4 length sleeves are also handy so they don’t get in the way of hair styling or even wet doing the morning dishes. Yes, this bright, bright sunshine is the actual morning light that comes streaming into my bedroom on a sunny winter morning. I was tempted to tone it down a bit for the pics, but I wanted you to be able to see the richness of colour in these shots exactly the way it is. Yes, my bedroom is an intense peacock blue and my favourite chair is that red!

 

 

Since we are turning over a new leaf on the blog, I’m working on all kinds of new things that you’ve asked for over the years, one of them being more pictures around my house. This morning, playing with Loki in the sunshine, was the perfect chance to show you my favourite corner of the bedroom. It’s a place to sit and read, to put on tricky shoes, or sometimes (let’s be honest) a secondary chair-drobe space. (I do try and keep it tidy!)  Nearly everything in my house has been put together as an eclectic mix of pieces that I’ve bought second hand online, found at Op Shops or even rescued from hard rubbish. My decorating style is “organic” in that it develops along the way when inspiration strikes, and I’m always moving things around.

The little foot stool has become Loki’s throne, the place where he sleeps in that morning sun soaking up the rays. And yes, he is just as mischievous as he looks and as his name suggests!

Are you a fan of vintage dressing gowns? If you haven’t tried out these sorts of styles with their fabulous names, (house coats, hostess gowns, honeymoon gowns, dressing gowns etc…) I suggest you start having a bit of a look around as there are still easy to find at most op shops. Make sure to tell me if you try it out too!