Quick Vintage Inspired Hair

Even though I've been much more diligent with painting my nails this year, it seems to have replaced doing my hair on a regular basis. I'm getting awfully reliant on side plaits. So, taking it upon myself to lift my game, I’ll share my four minute do. Yes, just four minutes to do this. I timed it. And the best bit? This style works whether your hair is dry or sopping wet. I've done it for this post half dry, but I promise it works dripping wet too.

Step 1: Brush out your hair, adding a side part.

Step 2: Take the front section of the narrower side of your parted hair and twist it back, using two bobby pins to secure it.

Step 3: On the other side, separate a small front section from the rest of the hair and pin out of the way. In my case it’s my fringe, but this works for long hair too.

Step 4: Take a section of hair from behind the front section and twist back and secure like the other side.

Step 5: Taking the small front section, rolling, starting at the end, the hair back towards your head so you’ve got a neat little roll. Pin it down with a pin that is pushed away from the part line and into the roll. This will keep it secure.

Step 6: Now you've got the front of your hair twists done, you can see the loop, just like a Victory Roll the fringe section has made. Hair spray it!

Step 7: Take the back section of your hair and put into a pony tail.

Step 8: Split your ponytail into two even sections and tie them in a knot.

Step 9: Continue knotting all the way down the length of your hair.

Step 10: Twist the knotted hair into a bun. The knotted hair makes it look textured and full.

Step 11: Secure the bun with pins and a hair net if necessary.

Step 12: The finished product. I recommend adding a hair clip, bow or scarf, but I forgot to photograph the finished style for this tutorial because I'm a silly girl. I do like a head scarf with a big bow at the front when I wear this 'do!

Ta da! Cute, quick hair.

Love WTP x

Turandot

I love going to the opera. Monday night I saw Turandot at the Sydney Opera House, another Puccini. It was spellbinding and beautiful. I was wearing an Anthropologie blouse and skirt, with Wittner heels and Jean Jean Vintage Deco earrings and Edwardian hair clip.

I absolutely love the Sydney Opera House and Bridge, they just sort of say to me, 'This is your home'. The bridge is 80 years old this year, and it's really a marvel to think it was completed in 1932. This massive bridge, an icon of our city, built for multiple lanes of traffic, trains and walkers, in the time of The Great Depression. The marvels of imagination eh?

Love WTP x

Who says crime doesn't play?

While 20s clothes aren't exactly figure friendly on me, it's no secret that I love all things Art Deco. So Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on the ABC has me spellbound. Of course, I'm not the first to blog about this show, but I was watching it last night with my mother, and we were talking about how fabulous it is beyond the aesthetics (Her house! Her hats! Her dresses!). It touches upon key issues at the time, from the ethics and legality of abortions, homosexuality, and chastity. And of course, the now ridiculous hostility between Catholics and Protestants. That, and well, who doesn't love a sassy lead who doesn't mind soaking in Turkish bath houses, flying planes, and dancing the night away in a jazz joint?

And because I love you, you can watch previous episodes here on the ABC website.

Love WTP x

Sexy in my Louboutins

Many of you may know that I work for a publishing company for a national title here in Australia. While you won't find me at 12.05am in the office, you'll probably encounter that look on my face around deadline. Naturally, this happens in my office all the time. I just can't stop those crazy web design boys from stripping off and busting their moves in the boardroom. If only!

Happy Friday!

Love WTP x

(This fabulous video 'My Heels' by Julez comes from the American Elle magazine team. Too fantastic!)

Rhinestones and celluloid

This pendant pretty much sends shivers down my spine. Some 20s girl was running around town with this swinging from her neck. It's divine. I don't generally wear long chains, but I think it looks just as nice on a short chain with my white Anthropologie tee. I accessorized with Chanel/Deco inspired nails in black and white. They were fiddly, but I think, worth it!

Love WTP x

Outline

Got up yesterday morning to find my friend Daniel had gotten a little bit arty on me. I do love it when my friends turn photos of me into illustrations (See other friend’s work here). Love it, thanks Daniel!

Love WTP x

The Vintage Fashion Emporium

Yesterday I kind of had one of my 'dream' days. Woke up late, had a nice cup of Earl Grey Tea, put on my finery, and then went out to look at antiques and vintage clothes with Astin.

I have to admit, I've never stepped foot in the Sydney Antiques Centre before. I knew, deep down, it was a dangerous place for my bank account, but when Louise from Digs Frocks and Books let me know the team at The Vintage Fashion Emporium (located downstairs at the Centre) was holding a Vintage Fashion Bazaar I knew I had to go along.

This monthly affair features extra sellers amongst the 11 permanent ones (think the likes of Coco Repose, Lou Murray Vintage, Over the Top Vintage, Retro Station, The Vintage Drawer and Zipper on the Side) selling everything from dresses to gloves to shoes to hats to bags.

I got to the Centre and was greeted by a flamboyantly dressed mannequin. Yes, I was in the right place.

There was so many beautiful pieces floating around I was absolutely bewildered going through the racks.

I had a great chat with Deborah from The Vintage Drawer - she's such a gem. Also had a lovely chat with Jessica from Coco Repose. Astin lost her heart to a darling skirt there, but it was too small. Always the biggest shame.

Of course, all this rifling through racks got a little exhausting and my spirits definitely needed restoring, so Astin and I paused for high tea in GG Espresso upstairs in the centre. It's $25 per head and it certainly satisfied my sweet tooth with tea, cake, scones, sandwiches and a glass of sparkling wine.

In case you were wondering, Astin was wearing a 40s dress, 40s bow hat and I was in my absolute favorite 50s dress with a cute vintage beaded beret hat and Anthropologie flats.

But we looked pretty normal wandering around Surry Hills, given it was also Mardi Gras night. Kudos to the guy in the wedges, black angel wings and the words 'Beautiful & Unique' on his back. I wish I'd grabbed a picture!

I'll definitely be heading along to another Vintage Fashion Bazaar. They will be held on the first Saturday of every month. The Sydney Antique Centre is located at 531 South Dowling Street, Surry Hills. If you want to keep track of all The Vintage Fashion Emporium news then 'like' them on Facebook.

Little bit new

I’m a bit of a sucker for buying little bits and pieces, but once I add them all up I kick myself and say, ‘Dammit with all of that money I could’ve bought those amazing Miu Miu heels on Ebay’. Wow, first world problem right there. Still, these are the amazing tidbits that have come my way lately, whether as gifts or just treats to me.

Wittner heels, OPI ‘Dim Sim Plum’, Livosa earrings, Mimco Turnlock wallet (to match the bag) & Oriental Lace Concorde Clip, kikki.K notepads and pencils.

Love WTP x

Bondi Beach

Dress: Girls of Savoy dress from Anthropologie

Bag: Mimco

Blue bangles: Hong Kong Jade Markets

Silver art deco filigree bangle: Jean Jean Vintage

I found myself on Friday night, around 6.30pm, wandering along the edge of Bondi Beach in the sunlight, my hair a mess in the breeze, and loving the smell of the ocean. Everyone was out, whether jogging on the sand, walking their dogs, strolling with lovers or unzipping their wet suits from the surf. It's such a relaxing way to round off a Friday. The graffiti on the walls there always fascinates me, but particularly this little poem this time round.

Love WTP x

Turquoise

I've been on a bit of a turquoise kick lately. I think it's summery and fun, and it goes so well against black, white and pretty much everything in between. These are my favorite enamel turquoise pieces. The brooch is a 60s Greek style piece from Jean Jean Vintage, and the Victorian hearts and crown necklace with seed pearls is from Astin, who always picks so well for me. I wore them with a summery dress, as the weather this weekend has been a little bit more like it should be: humid and sunny!

Love WTP x