Lavender & Twill : review

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Friday, March 17, 2017

༺ Candyfloss Station ༻

This weekend we took a trip back to our old stomping grounds ~ Queanbeyan! We lived there for three years or so, and I have so many good memories of our little family there. Not only that, there are many lovely old sites that have a wealth of character and history, making it one of my favourite spots to visit.

One such site is the old Queanbeyan train station. A small stop on Australia’s Sydney to Canberra line, this station was built in 1887 and has some absolutely lovely art-deco vibes about the construction. Combining my love for iron fret work, dusty mint and cream ~ it’s everything I adore about historical Australiana architecture ~ in style and colour palette! (灬ºωº灬)♡

And, speaking of colours ~ what better place to début this amazing “Mariana – Lee” dress by Miss Candyfloss?

It’s the first time that I’ve had the honour of working with this Swedish vintage reproduction company, but they have been on my radar for years! I really loved the jumpsuits they came out with last winter season, and I am grateful to have the chance to try one of their pieces.

The “Mariana” house wife dress is a superbly tailored, 1950s inspired frock. The navy shade is perfect for all seasons and the fabric has the most delightful hand to it. Thick, but not winter weight, the drape in the skirt provides a perfect swish when walking around, and the fabric lays smoothly over any unforgiving bumps as well as providing a nice level of stretch.

I was in between dress sizes, so I went with my waist measurements and sized down, and the dress fit like a glove, with plenty of room to move around comfortably. The cut around your shoulders and arms is generous, which is a great bonus. I often find that reproduction dresses can err on the tight side with sleeves, so I was really happy that the sleeve fit so well, and looked great with the cute cuff detail.

Of course, the scalloped neckline is instantly a favourite with me as I am mad about a good collar {this one is a *fantastic* collar if you ask me!} and the pleated bodice and matching belt add those perfect vintage touches that polish the final look. My one tiny complaint would be… a lack of pockets. I think pockets really take a dress {or skirt} to the next level, and though it would be hard to improve this dress as I do love every detail of it; I just ask for one thing ~ pockets!

When creating my ensemble, I decided to stick with really simple styling to allow this fabulous frock to shine. It’s a really versatile dress that can be accessorised to glam it up, or kept simple for day wear. I also really like how it could swing to either a 40s or 50s look depending on how you choose to style it.

This time around I went with a 1950’s feel, as my 1950s vintage hat and scallop-edge gloves echoed the navy hue and scalloped collar of the dress perfectly. I completed the ensemble with my trusty Miss L Fire shoes in nude for a twist of something unexpected!

And what vintage lady travels without her beauty case and purse? ☆(*ゝω・*）

I picked up the white beauty case when I was first finding my interest in vintage, and I’m glad I did because it’s proven to be a great hat box, as well as looking fabulous. Sadly, it won’t be coming with me on our future travel adventures, but more about that later…

I’ve been playing around with video as I would like to do more on my YouTube channel, so I’ve filmed a little outfit snippet and I’ve put a few of these all together in one “Adventures in a MINI Lookbook” video ~ so here’s this lovely dress in action!

..Half of the time I don’t even know what I’m doing here… (=⌒_⌒=)'

So what do you think of my film production skills? Haha! Do you like seeing outfits in motion? If you have any suggestions for what you’d like to see in a video, please let me know so I can make these better! ೕ(•̀ㅂ•́ )ᵒᵏᵎᵎᵎᵎ

xox,

bonita

Disclosure | This post was created in collaboration with Miss Candyfloss and the dress I have reviewed was sent to me, but all views and opinions expressed in this review are solely my own. ❀

Monday, November 21, 2016

༺ A Royal Treasure Chest ༻

I have seen subscription boxes for food items, cute stuff, stationary, make-up; you name it ~ there’s probably a box out there for it! I always thought this was a lovely idea, I mean, who doesn’t like receiving parcels in your mail box ~ and even better, surprise parcels in your mail box once a month! *.⋆( ˘̴͈́ ॢ꒵ॢ ˘̴͈̀ )⋆.*

However, up until now I haven’t come across a vintage subscription box service, so I am really happy to introduce you to Royal Treasure Chest.

I found this small, family run business on Instagram ~ @royaltreasurechest ~ again {yes, okay ~ I’ll admit it… I AM ~~addicted~~ a wee bit Instagram obsessed…. :P}, and was instantly thrilled to see that finally my vintage subscription box dreams have been made into reality!

When we arranged to do a collaboration, I was so happy that I could experience the surprise mail first hand. You can see the contents of my lovely parcel in the pictures above ~ I received a lace fan, a stunning vintage deadstock floral head scarf {that is waterproof! How awesome!} and an amazing 1950’s double stranded pearl and crystal bead necklace.

These items where hand picked for me according to the three categories I choose when I signed up for the box {Jewellery, Ladies' Accessories, Curios & Knick-knacks}. I also had a pretty yellow tulip handkerchief included as a little extra gift, which I immediately placed in my handbag so I could admire it when I’m sobbing into it at the cinema… {ahaha… No, I’m not joking. I cry over movies. And books. And cute ads, and puppies and kittens and those silly Buzzfeed videos ~ and now I’m just embarrassing myself, aren’t I? Ahem. Anyway, I always carry handkerchiefs in my purse.}

I also really enjoyed the little note that was included to tell me where these vintage treasures originated from ~ Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Denise and Royal had visited a home built in the mid 1800s, where four generations of doctors and their wives had lived. There was a whole attic full of treasures, some of which have found their way into a carefully packed box, across oceans and all the way to Australia!

Being fascinated with history as most collectors are, of course I absolutely love learning the stories of where and when the vintage was found. I think this short account of the items’ background really was the perfect touch to round out a delightful box of treasures.

And if you are interested in signing up for your own monthly box of vintage treasures from Royal Treasure Chest, I am so pleased to be able to offer you all a discount code! Enter “Lavender25” for 25% off your first two months of subscribing ~ can you say perfect Christmas present much?
☆(*ゝω・*）

I hope you enjoyed this peek at a my box ~ did you have a favourite item? I can’t decide between the deadstock scarf and the necklace… I really do need something to save my curls when it rains though, and now I have the perfect thing!

xox,

bonita

Disclosure | This post was created in collaboration with Royal Treasure Chest, and the items I have received were gifted to me, but all opinions expressed are my own. (✿◠‿◠)

Thursday, May 5, 2016

༺ May Showers ༻

?;.

May showers are supposed to bring April flowers, but I think I’d be satisfied with snowflakes instead! Old Man Winter is banging at our door this week ~ we’ve had really strong winds, and icy cold days that belie the bright sunshine streaming in through the windows.

It was soooo windy when I wore this outfit, my skirt was trying to flip up over my head and fly off, and my hat threatened to leave for the next state! Σ꒰๑• д •๑꒱

I had two hat pins in, but I’ll be honest ~ I haven’t used hat pins before so it seems likely that my technique was lacking. Also, the hat pins seemed really short to me… Only two or so inches long at most ~ I felt like they could have a stronger hold if they were longer? I think I’ll be keeping my eye out for some really stabby ones to help my chapeau stay more securely in place despite gusty weather!

I also had to scrap my plan on the location I’d picked to shoot this look, it was far too windy ~ pretty much everywhere! Instead, we managed to find this little pathway tucked between houses that was relatively sheltered. I’m glad I’ve learned that I really don’t like taking photos in the wind, because I could avoid that problem from the start and work without the extra stress! Haha…

All that aside, I did enjoy wearing this ensemble {despite almost flashing everyone at church my underwear on several occasions! (๑o̴̶ ﹏o̴̶ ๑)″}. This violet vision is summer purchase that I’ve been waiting to wear for a while now ~ can you believe it’s a Hell Bunny repro? It’s the Emilie dress in Aubergine, and I do believe it’s the best 1940’s reproduction garment I’ve come across so far.

The fabric is a gorgeous crepe, with a really nice weighty hand to it, so it drapes beautifully. Also, the details of cut and style, while simple, really echo common themes found in 1940’s fashion designs. The cap kimono sleeves, the bust detailing with the sweet buttons, and the length of the skirt ~ everything just feels so spot on. It’s hard to find repro that feels like vintage {but with the added bonus of sturdy fabric and seams!} so I was really pleased to see the high quality, and excellent make this dress turned out to have.

The perfect touch to finish off my outfit though ~ this darling Tulip Bouquet brooch! Delicate pearlescent hues of fuchsia and fresh mint combine in this dainty cluster of tulips, and I found the brooch really popped against a background of deep violet. It is part of Erstwilder’s new collection in collaboration with Miss Victory Violet ~ Beauteous Blossoms. As you’d expect there is a delightful array of stunning blossoms and flowers in this release, with ten designs in necklace, earring, and of course, brooch form.

All of the colours in the pieces are so vibrant and spring-like. They could just about be the April flowers for our May showers ~ a lovely splash of colour come those dreary winter days that are speedily approaching. (•ᵕ ᴗ ᵕ•)❀

Have you seen the new Erstwilder collection? Which piece is your favourite? And also, if you have any other 1940’s Hell Bunny recommendations ~ let me know! I’m eager to expand my 40s repro wardrobe …٩(•́⌄•́๑)و

xox,

bonita

Monday, January 4, 2016

༺ Color Me Violet ~ Vivien of Holloway Review ༻

Wearing Vivien of Holloway Pedal Pushers and Raglan Blouse | Lavender & Twill

Reproduction vintage wear by Vivien of Holloway review | Lavender & Twill

Elegant and easy to wear vintage style for busy mamas | Lavender & Twill

1950s style Pedal Pushers by Vivien of Holloway | Lavender & Twill

1950s style by Vivien of Holloway | Lavender & Twill

Have you ever had a perfect pair of trousers come along at just the right moment? And then you want to live in them 24/7 and completely forget all about your extensive skirt and dress collection?? You might have already guessed where I am going with this ~ but yes, these violet Pedal Pushers from Vivien of Holloway are my new living~in~them pants!

It isn’t all that often that I find vintage that can slot neatly into my “I can wear this every day” wardrobe, so I have begun to fill up those gaps with all kinds of different vintage reproduction pieces. Of course, you all know how much I love my Freddies, but I was so excited to try out these pedal pushers because sometimes a busy mama just needs more pairs of pants to run around in!

I am enamored with the colour of these pedal pushers. It is a true violet and is just as royally purple in real life {if not purpler} as the photos, not to mention that the fabric and fit to these is just fantastic! (⁎＾ᴗ＾⁎)∠☆

I’m personally not a fan of super tight trousers, so when I ordered these to fit my waist and hip measurements I was relived to see that there was a nice amount of ease to the pants. Not too tight and not too loose ~ good for sitting down and moving around! There’s also a bit of stretch in the fabric that accommodates movement; so if you wanted to size down for a more fitted look you could totally do that too.

Speaking of sizing down, with the Raglan blouse in white I am wearing I did end up going for a smaller size. I ordered a blouse to fit my bust size, but I found that the roomy cut of the raglan sleeve created too much extra fabric that bunched around my shoulders and arms. It’s lovely how the raglan style gives you tons of room for movement, but if you have a larger bust size on a smaller frame, or have narrow shoulders, you might want to consider sizing down for this blouse. I’m wearing the smaller size here, and I have ample room to move, as well as that lovely “puff” look of the style without swimming in extra fabric!

I can see the Raglan blouse as a staple in my winter wardrobe as the elbow-length sleeves add a touch more warmth and still allow a cardigan or jumper to go over the top the way some long sleeves won’t. Plus, don’t you just love the pointed collar and sleeve cuffs! I feel it’s very Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday” ~ such a classic 50s look.

Behind the scenes of everyday life with Vivien of Holloway | Lavender & Twill

~ Behind the scenes of the photo shoot: a ten minute walk back to Copper’s paddock in all dressed up vintage glory! But with comfortable boots on… : P ~

And if anyone’s wondering, yes ~ it is certainly interesting being a model, horse wrangler and director of photography all in one go! Thankfully the Mister was happy to do the actual shooting, or it just wouldn’t have been possible to make this happen.

I actually ordered one more piece from VoH, and I’ll do a review of that top later on, but for now ~ suffice to say ~ I am loving my Vivien of Holloway stuff! I filmed an opening video so that you can see the items being modeled in real time if you want to check it out on my channel.

Also, I really want to invest in some more pieces for my wardrobe, do you have any favourites you can recommend? I’m eyeing up their swing trousers, but I’d love to hear if you have any other things you think I should try out.

And for all my fellow Aussies, I’m excited to say that Vivien of Holloway have an Australian stockist ~ Christine’s in Fitzroy, Melbourne. So if you ever want to try some of the Vivien of Holloway pieces on before you buy them, you can totally check them out if you’re down that way!

xox,

bonita

Disclosure | This post was created in collaboration with Vivien of Holloway and the items I have reviewed were gifted to me, but all views and opinions expressed in this review are solely my own. Yep, I’m that excited about these pants. *(~ ‿ •)

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

༺ Winter Blossom ༻

Everywhere I look, I see blossoms bursting open, unfurling their petals to welcome lengthening days and warm breezes that herald the approach of spring.

Whilst autumn is my favourite season of the year, there certainly is something so promising about springtime ~ those delicious, mellow days that hint of lingering golden sun to come. All the tiny, intrepid violets fighting against the clinging frost of winter. The splashes of color that brighten up even the greyest of rainy weather with vivid carpets of emerald, or entire trees daubed in outrageous gold as the wattle comes out in full force! ✧ ✿ * ❀ * ✿ ✧

Though spring is officially here, I’m still in my winter wardrobe as you can tell. Canberran spring definitely isn’t warm enough for lighter clothes until at least October. While I’m waiting on nicer weather and less rain, I am happy to wear the new knit tops I picked up last weekend. (◕‿◕ ✿)

The quality of the ‘Robin’ Knit Top* by Collectif is so good. The woven knit fabric feels light and silky in your hand, yet it’s still warm when you wear it. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and effortlessly fits into a vintage wardrobe for either a 1940’s, or early 1950’s look. A versatile piece for sure! Also, I adore the sage color they’ve called ‘antique green’, and all the details like the lace pattern, gathered sleeve heads, pearl buttons, and dainty collar really make for a simply gorgeous top.

I can see why the Collectif brand is so popular. The quality is fantastic, and the styles they produce are so charming and perfect for vintage appropriate looks. I must say, I think that Collectif could easily be named as one of my top vintage reproduction brands ~ which is saying something considering all the amazing brands out there!

I am eager to try out some more of their pieces, but it’ll have to just be one at a time ~ quality like that takes time to save for. (- ‿◕)

Do you have any favourite pieces from Collectif? Or maybe another reproduction brand? I’ve actually started collecting Vintage Reproduction Brands on a Pinterest board in hopes that I can list all of the places to shop the best vintage reproduction. Please do tell me your favourite sites so I can check them out and add them to the list!

xox,

bonita

*This top used to be called “Freddie" but I guess they decided to change the name! That’s okay though, they have more colours now. Would it surprise you that I think I need them all? :P

Discloser | I am not affiliated with Collectif; I bought this product myself and chose to do a review because I like it so much. (✿◠‿◠)

༺ ♡ ༻

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

༺ Mother & Daughter: Lilac Sprinkle ༻

It must come as no surprise, but every time I see this photo of Charlotte’s beaming smile it makes me giggle! Of course, when I realised we were wearing matching outfits, I did what any good blogger does and was all “Eeep! Outfit photo time!”. My baby girl is so beautiful, and is growing bigger and bigger every time I blink, so I am glad I took a moment to get these pictures. ❤

Time flies by so fast, but somehow I’m managing to finish up a few projects here and there ~ my studio website is ready to go live after many months {years? I really can’t remember!} of work and waiting, so I’m excited for that.

Another project that I just wrapped this week after hours of woe and frustration, not to mention refilming{!} ~ is a introduction video for my YouTube channel. I have been meaning to get one up for ages, and finally did it! w00t! (ง •̀_•́)ง ☆

As you can see, this wonderful lilac 1950’s reproduction dress sure has been busy sashaying about. In the last month I’ve worn it to two dedications, church, and for both the videos I filmed {one of which was no good due to lighting issues, but oh well}.

It was a Christmas present from my parents in 2013, and I really do enjoy wearing it. It was custom made for me, and tailored so professionally. It was the Selena dress that I ordered, and while I desperately wanted it in the original fabric, a delicious golden beige color, unfortunately it was out of stock, so I settled for the lilac instead.

I’ve been really pleased with it, and every time I wear it, someone compliments me on how pretty it is. The fit is really spot on, and the sewing is neatly done.

Also, I asked for pockets in the skirt and working buttons on the bodice, and they did that for me with no extra charge, which I thought was very generous. At some point I think I would like to order another bespoke dress from the maker ~ Top Runway. They are actually on eBay and you might have already come across them if you were looking for vintage reproduction on eBay at all.

I can highly recommend working with them. I found that they really did everything they could to make sure your dress is the way you order it, plus their prices are extremely reasonable for a custom made dress. My dress was $120.00 AUD, which is roughly $90.00 USD, and came with free shipping to boot!

Have you ever ordered a bespoke dress? What would be your dream dress to create? I know I’d love to have a ruby or violet velvet 1940’s evening gown someday and if I can’t find a vintage one, I might just have it made for me! ヽ(*⌒∇⌒*)ﾉ

xox,

bonita

Discloser | I am not affiliated with Top Runway in any way; I was given this product as a gift and chose to do a review because I like it.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

༺ Happy Stitches ༻

I was so thrilled to receive my order from Little Happy Stitches in the mail the other day. I had ordered a darling felt fox brooch {similar here} and was dithering over ordering the polar bear as well. In the end, I had to put the bear away in my favorites as I didn’t really have the funds for both items. I was impatiently waiting, when… My parcel arrived from Ireland! Yay!

Just imagine my surprise when I opened up my beautifully wrapped package to find not one, but two perfectly sweet handmade felt brooches!

Wendy, who is the lovely owner of Little Happy Stitches, not only made up the fox on my request {she had sold out before I could snaffle one} but she had also included an extra brooch; and it was a polar bear! *squee!* So happy! Did a happy dance!!
✧ﾟ･:*ヽ(*⌒∇⌒*)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

The quality of these pieces is superb. Such tiny, perfectly even stitches! The felt colors are lovely, just like the pictures, and the size is just right. Not too big, not too small! I really couldn’t be more satisfied with my new brooches, I will certainly treasure them for a long time. ☆

There are other wonderful felt goodies for sale at Little Happy Stitches, including cute key rings and precious plushies that are sure to delight, so do check out Wendy’s shop if you feel in need of some felt-y goodness to brighten your day.

Who wouldn’t smile at a cute kitten like this?

xox,

bonita

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Friday, March 17, 2017

༺ Candyfloss Station ༻

Monday, November 21, 2016

༺ A Royal Treasure Chest ༻

Thursday, May 5, 2016

༺ May Showers ༻

Monday, January 4, 2016

༺ Color Me Violet ~ Vivien of Holloway Review ༻

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

༺ Winter Blossom ༻

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

༺ Mother & Daughter: Lilac Sprinkle ༻

Thursday, June 12, 2014

༺ Happy Stitches ༻

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