Just a little bit...

Phew, I've finally recovered from that bug and life has settled back into the normal degree of chaos I can count on. I haven't had a chance to shoot anything for the blog this past fortnight, so this happened at the right time. Thanks to Frocks and Frivolities for nominating me for the Liebster Award. It's my second time around, but I thought I'd answer her questions for you all as it's always fun to share a little about yourself you wouldn't normally think to. 

1.       What are your blogging goals for this year?

Do more hair tutes and wear more colour. I have done a fair job with the colour, but I haven’t been doing a great job on the hair tute goal… It’s only July, there’s still time… Anyone have any requests, on that note? If you haven't checked them out before, the link for my hair tutes is under the banner at the top of the page. 

2. Who are your biggest influences?

My biggest influences when it comes to fashion at the moment are fellow bloggers – I’ve been really inspired lately to try colour, new shapes and have lots of fun getting dressed after seeing what these ladies wear and do. I’d kind of lost that passion for awhile and clothes really frustrated me, but I’ve been reminded that getting dressed and having fun with fashion is something worth doing. I’ve been absolutely enamoured with the magnificent style of vintage loving fashionista Natalie Joos of Tales of Endearment, the elegant office friendly looks of Phoebe aka Lady Melbourne, the squee-ness of Marianne from Esme and the Laneway, the effortless colour ways of Veronica of Bittersweet Colours and the ultra-sleek Krystal from This Time Tomorrow. Of course, normally, I look to old films and their stars for inspiration – I love Audrey, Elizabeth and Marilyn’s respective styles. 

3. What was the first blog you read on a regular basis?

I think I started with three: Dear Golden, Strawberry Koi and Super Kawaii Mama.

4. How did you get interested in vintage?

It was my first year out of college when I was introduced to the concept of wearing vintage as a way of dressing. I had been wearing old things of my grandmother's, but didn't really think of it as 'my style'.  I started buying a few dresses here and there, mainly 50s and 60s silk wiggle dresses. A love affair was born for beautiful fabric and lady-like looks. Within not too long, I had an epiphany about what I liked and how to dress. 

5. What are your favorite topics to blog about?

Clothes, jewellery, hair, shoes, um, yeah. Basically anything girly. Everyone's favorites though are my hair tutorials, which is always so lovely to see. I keep my hair long because I just love doing crazy complicated dos with all this hair, even if it means a faux bob or sleeping with pin curls in on occasion. 

6. What would your dream vintage piece be?

At the moment I’m lusting for a gold Forstner snake bangle, a 1950s tulle prom dress in blue, a white quilted 50s skirt…  We could be here awhile. Let’s just say though, I’d feel I hit the jackpot if I found an original New Look Dior. The chances are slim!

7. What is your current favourite piece in your own closet?

Ahh, never make me pick. It changes daily. Today? My red satin Burberry Prorsum shoes I bought in the Net-A-Porter sale for a ridiculously cheap price. They’re outrageously cool and they make me grin like a mad women. Yesterday it was the green and blue 50s skirt and blouse set I bought on Etsy (I’m seeing it being worn all summer long with blue strappy sandals and vintage bangles) and the day before was my Art Deco Silver Snake bangle. Other constant favorites include my pistachio green Miu Miu heels, my 1950s black chiffon dress and my 1950s Paris scene skirt.

8. If you had to pick one type of vintage item to collect what would it be? (purses, shoes, hats, jewelry...)

Quite easy – jewellery. I love my vintage jewels and have a huge collection of items from the Victorian era right through to the 70s that are fine and costume in nature. I always tell people when they start to get into vintage to pick jewellery. They’re easier to incorporate into outfits, they look great with a plain tee and jeans if that’s your thing, and they don’t scream ‘costume’. They can be cheap to acquire, or outrageously expensive depending on your budget and taste, and you’ll have something relatively if not entirely unique.  

9. What do you find most challenging about blogging?

Finding time and good light. I leave the house and arrive home in the dark – and shooting outfits during office hours is hard. That leaves only weekends and often I’m running around so much I don’t have the patience to lug a tripod or I’ve decided to hibernate in my yoga pants.  That and I find it hilarious taking pictures in a public place – there’s always someone giving me a funny look as I pose in front of my tripod. I've even had people walk through shots before, not realising what was going on. 

10. What do you enjoy most about it?

For me, blogging has been about meeting like-minded girls who love the things I do. In Sydney, the crowd here isn’t as receptive to what I wear and like as say even Melbourne. Everyone in the vintage community is passionate about an era, a style, a lifestyle… that’s a nice thing to see today amongst the wash of denim skinnies and chain store clothes.

11. What is one thing not vintage related that you love?

English. Is that crazy to admit? I love literature, the written word, the thought and meaning behind it. I write, I read, I tutor. I like learning about writing, reading classic literature and breaking down what makes them work so well, talking about it, trying to get kids to be passionate about what they're learning. There is something magical about reading a book or a story and having your perspectives forever changed, even if those books are few and far between. If I'm not reading classics though, I'm all about the fantasy, especially urban fantasy. We have some great Australian authors in this genre. 

So, until the weekend... tootles! And don't forget to check out some of the other lovely blogs nominated over at Frocks and Frivolities!

Love WTP x