Free as a bird (or 'My Saturday List')

For the last 18 months I worked a weekend 'hobby' job. Partly for some extra cash and partly to keep myself out of mischief when Trav was out at the army or working. I loved it. My plan worked too well actually - I selected a place where I would enjoy working so much - I wouldn't regret giving up my Saturdays and it took about 4 months of deliberating to finally break away at the end of 2010. They'll always be there though - happy for a visit and to show me the latest delicious product.

Having missed out on lots of fun things I have a new-found appreciation of 2-day weekends and I'm not about to take them for granted so I've written up a Saturday List which holds all sorts of exciting plans. I hope it doesn't get out of control!

I'm especially looking forward to this Saturday as it's my first real one off since the Christmas break. I'm going for a leisurely walk with my close friend Tamra on the hunt for vintage frocks and we've already lined up 2 must-see shops.

Bam-Bam Vintage Clothing in Williamstown and recently reopened Diamond Dog in my own lovely Seddon. I popped my head in there last night and Sally assured me that she's just restocked with lots of beautiful frocks and shoes, all from television sets so barely worn. I'm already eyeing off a cute little red and white duck sundress in the window, I hope it's waiting for me on Saturday!

Got any other recommendations in the area? Keep in mind we're on foot for the day!

Can Portland do nothing wrong??

OK. I confess. I am an etsy fiend! I need to stay away from the site as I am bound to get stuck there for ages, scrolling through all the handmade and vintage goodies. Recently I started on a quest for lots of quirky brooches and as always happens, got sidetracked and bumped into this absolutely stunning camisole by CLF Claire la Faye - of Portland Oregon. Her beautiful range of frocks, gowns and camisoles can be found in her etsy store, and at her website.

Clair's creations have been worn by those glamour queens, Dita Von Teese, Courtney Love and Christina Aguilera and now I have my own beautiful piece of her imagination! I can't wait to wear this coral camisole with vintage lace out on the town - might need to plan a hot date out with my husband before Christmas!

I already think if I was to move to America, I'd want to live in Portland Oregon - imagine being surrounded by inspired people like Clair and the girls from Queen Bee Creations - and the fact that it's such a bicycle friendly city is a bonus too!

Sewing Capers

Hmmm I've got a problem. Not enough time. again.

I've already found my winter sewing project but the problem is that I already have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 projects and one alteration before I can get to it. Well that will at least give me time to find just the right fabric and pattern.

It all started when I saw this picture on The Sartorialist today, I just can't stop staring. No, I lie. It started when I saw this handmade beauty over at Cyclodelic. Apart from the ultimate winter cycling garment - it's just great for those of us who just can't seem to warm up - there's room for many layers underneath and it's just so damn stylish!

I've started the pattern-hunt, so far the front runners are ...

McCalls 5913

Burda 7619

Burda 7583

Vogue 2924

 McCalls 5764

 Vogue 8122 (out of print so highly unlikelyI'll find it in the right size but I like version C anyway)   Seen any nice tweed fabric around the shops for me?

Please wait

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Cyclodelic hits Oz

All you cycling fashonistas might want to check out Bicycle Victoria's chat with Amy Fleuriot of London's Cyclodelic here.

Cyclodelic

back to basics

I visited a naturopath last night, I thought it might be worth speaking to someone to see why i'm so prone to the cold and why i'm tired. Using iridology, my naturopath said I have a lymphatic constitution - where dairy products are lowering my immunity and my digestive system isn't extracting nutrients from my food effectively.
She also suggested that my ongoing sore throats could be something to do with not communicating what I need to.

After further research today I found this: "A lymphatic, or mucous constitution, may be recognized by the light complexion, the frame full and rounded, but the flesh soft and flaccid, and the muscular fibre yielding and relaxed. The circulation is sluggish, the pulse slow, the generation of heat deficient, and there is also a sensitiveness to cold. The patient is subject to slow and sluggish affections, to catarrhal diseases, abscesses, accumulations of water about various organs. Acute diseases are also liable to assume a chronic form and run a slow and tedious course." Link

I walked out of there thinking I have things less 'together' than i did when i walked in. And I wondered if I want to start this? I feel I look after myself better now - I take baths, love cooking, love my weekend job, have lots of friends, take time out for me, enjoy my walks and rides, buy myself nice things and flowers.
In fact lately several friends have said things like 'I really admire your decision to rethink your career and find a job that fits your priorities' (Andrea) 'I've always thought you seem to pick different jobs but it's like they will all serve a purpose sometime in the future' (Allison). I don't work long hours, my boss does recognise when I've done good work, she just has a short temper sometimes and I sometimes feel I am talked to like a daughter - belittled.
I even thought I had a less stressful job - but this seems to be it again. I recall back when I was getting acupuncture for my back 4 years ago - I was having troubles with work then too. Well as I learned - life sends us the same lesson over and over in different forms until we learn it - not until then can we move on.

Maybe I need to buy some more nice things - I'd buy this cool denim skirt from Witchery

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Or maybe their jersey wrap skirt



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And definitely these Clara Tubular Flats from Country Road

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... and I'd find some of those soft, comfy looking tshirts Marion Cotillard wore in A Good Year

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