What a Dame!

Thanks to Karen for sending in another show stopper! What I really love about this dress is its metallic texture which makes it a little more exciting than your usual race wear. Metallic’s, satins and beading (even diamantes and sparkles) when used right can make a fantastic impacted to an otherwise traditional design.

This time Karen met one Australia’s all time favourite fashionistas Dame Edna!

Now that’s style;)

Race Season

Local fashionista and avid Petticoat Lane visitor Karen Sheppard recently moved to Brisvegas and attended the fabulous Stradbroke race day at Eagle Farm.  Karens style has always been on the fashion pulse and this was clearly evident when she was the finalist in the Fashions on the Field.  Thanks to her handy iphone we could get a quick peek on the goings on in the elite tents when she bumped into the very glamorous Megan Gale who commented on Karens amazing style! Karen’s tips for elegant race wear “gloves, stockings and closed in heels are a must for the winter racing” She also commented on how down to earth and lovely Megan was. Ohhhh it’s always fun to rub shoulders with the fashion industries who’s who inside events like this- we are very jealous! Karens outfit is flawless and so striking I love it!!

Karen Sheppard and Megan Gale

Looking for amazing and unique stockings and gloves? You can order through Petticoat Lane check them out http://www.legavenue.com/en/women/hosiery/pantyhose 

We also have an extensive catalogue in store.

Fashion Genes

New South Wales, Hay 1938  my grand parents Sheila and Geoffrey Read

Where does your style come from? Nature verses Nurture? For me, I never really knew where my style came from as I had little contact with common influences like grandparents and I was raised largely by my father on an isolated cattle station- so fashion wasn’t really a topic of conversation and I didn’t see glossy magazines except for National Geographic. All I had was my imagination. I don’t think you need to have a fashion designer parent or some iconic style maven to have fashion sense. Style/fashion is subjective, like art its channelling a kind of belief you have, your opinion, what makes you comfortable and what inspires your individuality. So looking at these photos makes me smile and think “Grandma had a real adventurer Indiana Jones-esque style”  its moments in time within these photos where fashion was their interpretation . Some people have an eye for design maybe it’s in my genes- this is why I could be interested in vintage and desire to create but some need glossy magazines to spoon feed their style. Whatever it is it’s a personal resolution. These decades were simple and classic because style isn’t just about what you wear it’s how you live and feel.

Sheila Read 1920

Walking the streets of Sydney

Sheila with her best friend Glady 1978

Sheila was an event organiser for Hay's Show Society and an devoted dog breeder

London 1966, Petticoat Lane markets (it was meant to be!)

Flamin' Hot!

Two looks that have caught my eye this month- Vintage Statement and Classic Masculine jacket/blazers

Woodstock anyone! 1970’s Buckskin deer leather fringe jacket (left) very rare in this great condition.  How many festivals has this baby seen! A savvy investment: the leather softens with age so this one is nicely broken in. A statement piece that holds vintage appeal and has a glorious history to go with it. check out instore now Petticoat lane

Easton Pearson boyfriend blazer (left). I spotted Charlize Theron in something very similar. This transeasonal star offers tailored warmth without being overpowering and the easy cut compliments all body shapes. Sharp tailoring epitomises the current masculine winter theme at the moment. Check instore now Petticoat Lane

Wardrobe Nightmare

Who wants to be a practical fashion genius? I DO! Clean house -clean mind they say. I’m Always working on the premise I’m going to get around to ‘Really’ organising my clothes, shoes, etc. Washing socks and filing my nails seem to be way more important. Most of us would hardly admit that we wear only one-fifth of the clothes we own, but recent research suggests that much of what we buy is so redundant that we don’t even bother to cut off the labels. One estimate suggests we have $2.5billion of unworn pristine fashion clogging up our wardrobes. Apparently, 70 per cent of women admit to buying clothes they’ve never worn, with six items each on average per person doing nothing but collecting dust.

Do you need a wardrobe doctor? Yes I do! I want to turn a disaster-zone closet into an oasis of calm. I own a vintage clothing store and I’m always telling girls sell those loved but no longer worn fashion items and clear out those closets- I need to take my own advice!  Ladies I can identify, I know the nightmare that lies beneath because you should see the disorder I deal with daily trying to find things arghh. I’ve had enough and it’s time to get tough!

So now it’s time to be Practical Princess! Inspired by the very famous wardrobe doctor Elika Gibbs who has helped stars such as Lilly Allen, Tamara Mellon and Kate Moss (Kate needs fashion help?) It’s time to give those wardrobes an overhaul! Well we can’t afford a fashion doctor like Elika but we can poach some her much needed guidance.

 “Clothes are like food: If you make them look appealing, you’re more inclined to reach for them,”  Elika Gibbs

Where are you in your life right now? You need to look at your needs, lifestyle, social habits, marital status and your line of work. How much stays because of memories, size wishes (I’m totally going fit into those skinny jeans next season- NOT) you need to let it go. Moving from Melbourne to Townsville for example you can’t hang on to a lifestyle that just doesn’t exist anymore and just isn’t practical in this weather. What you thought was fabulous in your 20’s isn’t really relevant in your 30’s... so your style evolution begins.

·         Try everything on before deciding if you want to keep it. You’ll also see what needs washing, repairing or dry-cleaning.

·          If you’re reluctant to let go of the item, place it in a bag for a month and see if you miss it.

·         Shoes should be put into a style category, colour coordinated, everyday shoes on the rack and special into boxes.

·         Clothing should also be colour coordinated and categorised, jackets together, jumpers, long dresses, jeans etc you know where they are and where they go back

·         No wire hangers- they ruin clothes!

·         You should do a clean out at least twice a year. We clean the house so you should look after your wardrobe

You start to notice gaps in your closet and identify what you’re lacking. Great excuse to go shopping! Well I’m going to start tomorrow...yep thats right its going happen tomorrow!

"As a single working mother myself, I understand the organisation that running a business and family involves. Implementing routines is the absolute key - the more organised one is, the easier ones life becomes" Elika Gibbs