Amazing Mt Wellington, Tasmania September 16th 2010

Enchantment on Mt Wellington, Tasmania.

This was last week when my husband and I spent 3 days "getting away from it all" in Hobart, Tasmania. We love Tasmania and have visited regularly over the past 16 years. It's wilderness is like no other--you step back in time in so many places--and by that I don't mean hundreds of years or even thousands--I'm talking millions...before man. This is physical and natural history that thousands of years of human habitation has not changed into a different place. Aboriginals inhabited this land for thousands of years but did not adulterate the land the way European man has in the blink of an eyelid. I digress...

Mt Wellington stands like a sentinel to the city of Hobart. It is both welcoming and powerful. It is majestic, sensual, everchanging, calming and embracing. This mountain makes Hobart and is like a magnet to me, and I know to many others. Once mesmerised by its beauty you cannot ever remove it from your psyche. It is inspirational, rejuvinating and enriching. The minute I saw it I was smitten.

Below are some of many beautiful photos I took that Wednesday in Hobart and on Mt Wellington when a cold(er) snap came up from the Antarctic bringing a gale force wind to the summit area and transformative snow.

Sometimes I wish I was a designer so I could use natures colours, patterns and textures for inspiration. Come to think of it I do use it to select out items for sale---both fashion items and decor.

The Derwent River from the Botanical Gardens entry--looking south. Hobart is situated on the Derwent. I like the skeletal pattern of the still leafless exotic trees against the blue sky.

Mt Wellington from Queen Street Sandy Bay. Turn the other way and you face the Derwent. Hobart is a very historical place and I love the way so many old houses have not yet been either demolished or changed. There is a respect and acceptance of how this is by the people there.

The drive up takes about half and hour--this is about half way up when the first dustings of snow were happening. It's a fairyland really. We are lucky here in Australia-- most of our high altitude plants keep their leaves on for winter. This allows for amazing and artsy patterns when the snow falls on them and gives an almost cosy feeling to the place.
On the summit. Brrrr.... and lots of black ice to slip on. We jumped out of the car for about a minute to take a photo of each other then back inside for some home made slice and to just look out.
Lichen covered granite boulders at the top and ground cover plants allow for wonderful colour, pattern and texture. The telephone tower allows a touch of reality.

I was loving the tricky vanishing patterns the strong winds were making with the snow on the road. If only I could've taken a video.

This is like a river of boulders just down from the top in a very exposed area. I wonder what incredible forces were at work here over time.
The above two are in the same area as the boulders. I think this plant is a Richea. The olive green with the white is a gorgeous contrasting combination. The Eucalypts don't grow tall on the exposed parts of the mountain due to extreme cold and forceful winds. Many of them lean in one direction because of this. These plants can be hundreds of years old even though small.

A few hundred metres down and it's quieter, gentler and possibly one could say prettier. The trees are taller and the forest is totally enchanting. I love the colour patterns of the bark.
Blechnum fern--so pretty with the snow.
Tasmanian Pink Mountain Berry plant.
Not sure what this plant is but I loved the star shaped leaves which then made this enchanting picture with the snow on top.
Hope this wasn't overkill for you to look at.

Hello, at long last I am back with photos of the previous weekend's Vanity Fair Fashion Market at Paddington RSL Sydney. The next market at Paddington is on Saturday the 10th October 2010, so put it in your diary or memory bank--it's the 2nd Saturday of the month.

Now I would like to tell you a bit about Lisa. She is warm and friendly and always has the cutest and interesting things. All sorts of beautiful, quirky or lovingly kitsch bits n pieces can be picked up at her stall. From pretty cut glass 50s brooches to wonderful handmade true vintage quilts, from funny old shower hats to retro patterned peg bags, from funky on trend 70s denim shorts to 80s sloppy joes. Below are the shorts I have mentioned. We teemed them up with those killer red lace up ankle boots and hoped someone would buy the both or at least get inspired!

Certainly a character of the markets and fairs is Weeba. She is Indonesian and with this comes a vibrancy and get up and go many wish for. She also has a great understanding of how clothes work having being brought up with sewing and handcrafts as part of everyday living. So she can repair and rework pieces as well as sew new in the old style. She always has sought after vintage and retro dresses as well as a great selection of ankle boots and unusual leather bags. Below is a bold cherry red with black buttons 80s dress and Scandinavian pattern cardigan.

Ok, here is Gabriella again. You may remember her from the last post about this market. As always she has used great genuine vintage pieces to dress up in. Going the nautical navy, white and red theme for Spring she wore a 60s shirt dress with classic stripes to the bodice and a great large cut collar. Of course what else would you teem with it but navy, red and white accessories, but I especially loved the scarf in her hair.


Below are some pieces I had for sale. The funky 60's pottery lamp has come out of my green collection. I am slowly parting with a few pieces that don't fit in entirely with my more vintage rustic/industrial look I have going.

Also out of my collection on the half mannequin was a jade green leather high sitting cap made in Japan from the 60s. And those shell and plastic bead necklaces--wow! is all I can say.

Another piece there is the 60s/70s long sleeve slim fit limey green cotton knit tee shirt--sounds basic, but these are among the most difficult pieces to find as they were worn daily and usually became too roughed up to pass on anywhere.
To me it signifies the start of a more casual, practical feel to everyday dressing for women that was influenced by man style clothing. This style was also naturally accelerated by the advent of womens' liberation. With this t-shirt, jeans would have been typically worn. At first, all girls had available to buy were mens' jeans, but slowly some makers designed especially for women. This was a revelation to me, as my mother didn't have to sew the waist in every time! Mens' jeans are noticeably wider in the waist. And I didn't have to shop each time for jeans at the army disposal store--much as I loved the atmosphere in there. I revelled in this look when I was growing up. It was my staple and still is today as it is for most girls and women around the world.
T- shirt and jeans--that's it for a good easy going life I say!

Last of all I have to show you this photo of a new sellers clothing rack. She sold wonderful new old stock and vintage designer pieces. This rack was particularly eye catching with a focus on white and off white crocheted, lace and beaded pieces.

My next post I will share with you some photos I'm very happy with from the snow on top of Mt Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania. My hubby and I had a short getaway there earlier this week. Even if you don't like the cold there can be no argument it does not create some of the most beautiful mesmerising landscapes.

A quick update.

Well, I must apologise for not updating this blog for a long time now. My computer gave up the ghost and so working on an old slow laptop was not easy and I tended to just do the basics.

Have bought another Mac just recently so will be ready to go again shortly as soon as I load some of my latest photos from last Saturday's Vanity Fair Vintage Fashion Market at the new venue of Paddington RSL Club.

For the first time in a new venue, it was a good turnup. We have some new dealers as well as most of the regulars. The venue whilst more difficult to load stock to, will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer and obviously in a hub of activity in Paddo's main street, Oxford Street.

What also has passed was the 2nd Fash n Treasure market in Canberra. It poured nonstop from buckets that day and the wind blew fiercely.... from the antarctic I think!.... no...I know.....so not really a great market day but amazingly Canberra's fashion enthused crowd came along. Packed full with sellers of all sorts, more food variety and a rugged up crowd it was still fun and great for buying and selling.
One great thing about the colder weather is you can make good use of those fantastic winter jumpers and coats and use layering to it's best effect--often more fashion fun that a too hot summer's day.

I will be spending the next month reorganising a lot of my working stock and getting new stock ready for my stalls at Mitchell Road Antiques and Design Gallery, the next Paddington Vanity Fair and the famous and huge Canterbury Vintage Clothing Jewellery and Textiles Show. This last one is on at Canterbury Racecourse in Sydney in mid October, and is probably the largest vintage fashion fair in the southern hemisphere. I will be posting more about it in coming days.

Fash n Treasure market Canberra 17th July

This new market gave both sellers and buyers a fantastic day to remember. So many great things about it. I can only heap praise on the organiser--Jane. In her 20s and wow! what an entrepeneur and enterprising determined girl! Kind, helpful and friendly too --what more could you want in a market organiser. I have known her from other markets and fairs where she and her Mum and Dad run a successful business selling exquisite hand made fashion pieces, made of and with, vintage and antique Japanese kimonos.

Whatever there has been wrong with the variety of markets I have been to over the years this market managed to attend to all the issues......I do realise though, often it is a compromise between getting the right venue available and being able to give perfect service. Anyway--this is what I saw as the positives for this market......

*undercover--no wind, dust, sun and rain problems

*ease of access--no stairs, lifts, rough ground, long distance transport of your goods, being choked for space

*upbeat music with a live DJ--great positive mood music --makes for less of those awkward quiet moments. Attracts and keeps the young (and young at heart) crowd who are into fashion and recycling probably more than the older generations. We were able to request songs as well, and were told to ask for the music to be turned down if too loud.

*very reasonable stall prices

*no entry fee--more important than many think.

*2 coffee vans--very important!

*regular visits by organisers to make sure all was ok.

*lots of bins--no need to go hunting and no problems with overfill.

*very helpful staff

*eftpos facility--great for sellers who don't have a machine....and for buyers who may have run out of cash!

* change rooms provided

*wonderful communication via email--so much attention to detail in there.

*a very sweet gesture of a little pink paper bag with necessary info and survival chocolates waiting for us when we arrived at our stall.

*and lastly.... obviously brilliant extensive advertising via the usual media channels and a facebook and blog site--the large turnup of sellers and buyers for a first time market showed us this. Many positive comments were given and heard so that is great.

The other interesting aspect I saw was that the market was a mix of sellers--new items, upcoming designers, secondhand, vintage and retro. I think it worked well--people had a choice. Even though many wouldn't be seen dead in a 2nd hand item, and some vintage fans go completely nuts with purist era dressing right down to underpants, nowadays more and more want to use a mix of items to get the right look and save money, as well as think of the environment.

Next market is in September--will keep you posted! I can't wait! The theme will be racing fashions!

Below are some photos. I couldn't take many as my camera had run out of battery--apologies....

This photo shows the fantastic Miso Chic stall and a view of part of the market. Miso Chic sells pieces made from recycled vintage and antique kimono fabric. Their workmanship is perfection and their designs appealing and different but still very wearable. They have hairpieces, handbags, clothes, jewellery and more.
This stall caught my eye with their snazzy handmade clothes full of amazing detail and pzazz. Redfox they call themselves. I took a business card but have promptly misplaced it. The two young girls were dressed totally cool. It seems they go places many others wouldn't. Imagination, style and talent is something they certainly have been abundantly rewarded with. It seems they use recycled clothing, and bits n pieces that others may not even think of. In this photo you can't see the jacket very well but it was incredible. It was completely sequinned and jewelled, with feathers and large military style buttons as added features. The crazy upturned lapels took the jacket to a whole other level. They also had extremely cute but funky dresses with hints of 70s prairie style, Alice in Wonderland and 80s glam. All were very wearable though, but such unique pieces you would be sure no one else would have. At $160 per dress and made to order I think that's more than worth it.
This photo shows a rack I had for sale of retro 80s/90s beaded and velvet pieces. Velvet is becoming popular this winter with a comeback of new romantic and dandy styling--I don't think it's reached its popularity peak yet though--maybe next year. Guess who bought the beaded vest? Yes, the girls from Redfox!

Here are my Doc Martens I had for sale. Docs are genius shoes in so many ways--they have an amazing history, are comfortable, long wearing, statement shoes and extremely versatile in how they can be worn. I love how a basic work shoe from the 40s can be turned into a rebellious shoe, then a forward fashion statement shoe. I also love how the company has not been backward in coming forward with a crazy variety of colours and designs. Look up their website--it has some great information worth knowing. I sell my coloured docs for around the $200 mark and patterned ones for around 260. Basic black around 140 and those black and slate pebble pattern ones are $160. They may sound a little expensive but I am in no great hurry to sell them as I see them as investment pieces and am more than happy to have a collection of them. The Made in England ones are most highly desirable of course, as the new ones are made in China or Thailand. The quality whilst still great is just not quite the same as the older 80s/90s ones. So treasure your Docs if you have them. I don't think they will ever really go out of style and if they do you can be sure they will be back again.

Today I've registered and booked to do the new Canberra vintage, and otherwise, fashion market called Fash 'n Treasure. What a great name! I wish I could think of great names like that.

Date: Saturday 17th July
Time: 10am-3pm.
Where: The Old Bus Depot Markets building, Kingston, Canberra, Australia
How often?: Every 2 months on the 3rd Saturday of the month.
Will it be cold?: Yes
Does it stop Canberrans from going out? No. (thank goodness)

http://

Sounds a great market even though I haven't been--however, their organised and savvy recruitment and advertising seems to not suggest anything else. And the venue is excellent--being as the name says--an old bus depot that has been revamped. Every Sunday there is a general market on there which is also fantastic.

The theme is Formal Fashion--although as is often the case other items will be sold as well--but I will make sure I take some of the lovely formal outfits I have as well as some great warm and interesting winter coats and jumpers. Look out for some photos later in the week.

Becky Sharp's Vanity Fair Vintage Fashion Market Leichhardt, Sydney, Australia.

I am late in writing as my computer decided to give up the ghost so this is being put onto an old computer--not the same as a Mac but it seems to be working ok.
So this market as mentioned is on the 2nd Saturday of every month and last Saturday was again a good roll up. It was cold with hints of rain but the good thing about this market is that it's under cover....in a great old Town Hall at that. It's so beautifully restored and painted that it adds greatly to the atmosphere of the market. This photo below is taken from the front of the hall. The next photo down shows the side street--where the entrance to the hall is. Lovely tree lined streets and bush plantings allow a fresh and clean ambience to Leichhardt even though it's in inner Sydney. Have a look at those lovely trunks on the Eucalypts. Of course it's also a mecca for Italian restaurant lovers and some great coffee shops, so you're never short of good food when you come to this market. I have found the Mezzapica cafe just 2 minutes walk from the Town Hall in Norton Street serves great coffee and food with the best service and great fun baristas.

Here is a hint of what great clothing you might find at the market. This is from Grant's stall. He specialises in men's clothing and vintage style hand made jewellery. He has brilliant dress sense and used to be a window dresser in a past life so will help you choose very well. Oh god--that blue check jacket is incredible!

Suzy is cool and fun. She sells amazing dress jewellery and a lot of it complements her own flamboyant character. One great thing about the market is many shoppers and sellers come dressed in vintage clothing, so you really feel like getting into it yourself. Not that you need to go all out --one statement piece can be all you need to stand out from the crowd. Suzy is wearing a fine black pleated dress with a 70s faux leopard print mid length coat. Her black ankle boots are her own from the 80s and she dressed them up by adding fur around the tops. "I can't sew, so I just glued it on" said Suzy! I think the fur on those boots is a great idea and completely balances the look.

These shoes are from my men's selection. The grey 70s suede desert boots are in great condition. The blue "convict" boots are from Snoop Dog's range--not in production anymore, I believe. Those leather ankle boots sold to a young girl and the grey 80s smooth flat shoes looked very swank on the fellow who bought them--they are all the rage at the moment. I really don't know what to call them but they almost look like ballet shoes but lace up. There's also some brogues and 70s leather slip-ons. Vintage brogues have certainly taken off and look great on everyone I think. Teaming them with socks and shorts or a mini can give them a bit of an edge which is always good for something so traditional.

Judy collects ties and has been on the hit ABC show the Collectors. I've forgotten how many ties she has but I know it's way many. So--yes, you guessed it--she specialises in selling ties as well, but also has a great range of menswear. Her knowledge of ties is extensive so you will find out everything you wanted to know about your tie purchase from Judy. Her display is always en-tie-cing as well.

Gabriella always dresses immaculately mixing vintage with new. Her range of fashion items are also immaculately presented. She is wearing a navy blue 80s cropped military jacket with a wonderful feature high collar and gold buttons. Underneath is an 80s longline vest over a white shirt. They are accessorised with a gold belt, glam navy and gold cowboy boots and a slightly quirky off centre up-hairdo.

Hope you enjoyed a bit of a look at this market--I might throw up some more photos of it another day soon. Even better--put it in your diary for next month for a great browse if nothing else. However, I don't think you'll walk away empty handed--there is so much tempting stuff for sale priced from $1 to hundreds! As a seller I rarely leave home without a purchase myself.

Getting organised for Vanity Fair Leichardt Vintage Fashion Market-Sydney

Today I have been getting organised for the Vanity Fair Vintage Fashion Market in the Leichardt Town Hall, Sydney which is on tomorrow. It has been running since November 2008 every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am-4pm, and has been a successful market which has seen many people come through the doors--from those seriously into vintage fashion who come dressed fully in the regalia of their chosen dream era, to those yearning for a touch of nostalgia to those who simply like to wear something different and use it as part of their creative urge. Seriously--you will never know what you might find at this market--it does not stop at clothing but there are shoes, bags, linen, jewellery, textiles and bric-a-brac related in some way to this....plus more more and more!

Below is a little snippet of what was loaded into our car. This photo shows on top, a typically 80s/90s multi pattern wool knit vest in a style that I don't know the name of, but it was used popularly by those sending out a "back to crafty basics of life" message. In very earthy colours of grey green and deep blue, it is so cleverly knitted that it is beyond my understanding of very basic knitting skills. And underneath is one of those other popular jumper knit styles--cable and waffle knit which has seen revivals in the 70s, 80s, 90s and late noughties--hence their popularity now. I really don't think they will ever go out of style by those wanting a natural, hint of country look to their dressing. Again this one is in a quality wool.

This is an 80s quality wool longline jacket with a single button and a heraldic embroidered motif to the pocket. Great for that slightly oversize boyfriend blazer look. Good to dress up jeans or with simple black or cream pants and a ruffle front blouse, or small collared blouse--buttoned up to the top of course.

Here is a look inside one of my boxes of bags I am bringing. At the top you can see those great beaded bags which were popular in the 60's through the early 70s. Some are drawstring, some are simple totes, some are shoulder bags--but all make you feel good and lead you to handle them. I adore the bright colours and patterns. Who actually sat there and did that? I know I wouldn't have the patience. Maybe some of them were machine done. But all are just as useful now and add a touch of colour and texture to your dressing.

So this is not part of what's coming tomorrow but this is Samantha--otherwise known as Sam. She's our little Jack Russell Terrier and had found a great spot in the sun just near the car to warm herself. She looked so comfortable and cosy on the leaf mulch I just had to take a photo.

Look out tomorrow night for my photos of the day!!