Late night shopping: Getting festive with Modcloth edition

Who else is getting excited about Christmas? I have some plans in the works that means I've basically spent all my free online time browsing festive outfits and getting really excited for the most wonderful time of the year.

I've got some blog fun to announce in the next couple of weeks, but for now, here's a teaser Late Night Shopping to get you in the mood.

1. Gingerbread bag | 2.  Dress print dress   | 3.  Festive Foxes |4.  Christmas puppies | 5. Robin jumper | 6. Moose socks

So, what's your Christmas dressing style? Where are your favourite places to buy festive clothes? Let me know in the comments and I may be able to feature your faves in the coming weeks!

Late night shopping - bricks and mortar Brisbane locals

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I'm a big fan of shopping small and shopping locally. As with many things in the digital age, the convenience of doing things online is choking a lot of small businesses, so it's important, where you can, to visit and support bricks and mortar stores. 

In Brisbane, there are a few places where I head to visit the staff and touch, see and most importantly, try on clothes and know exactly what the fit and cut and colour is like. I love shopping online as much as the next girl, but there's always a moment of nervousness when I rip open a package: is it going to fit? Will it look good? Will the colours look the same in person as they did online? 

So here are my go-to Brisbane places to visit:

That Shop

28a Logan Road
Woolloongabba 

Picture pinched from That Shop's Facebook

While there are more That Shop stores down the Gold Coast, in Brisbane we have a gorgeous store in Woolloongabba which is staffed by the loveliest ladies ever. You're always greeted with a friendly smile, asked if there's anything you're looking for and helped if you need it or left to browse if that's what you'd prefer. I love going in, telling the girls I'm shopping for an occasion and just standing in the change room playing dress ups. They love picking out outfits for you and many times I've walked away with a dress I may not have considered, but end up loving.

They're stockists of Pinup Girl Clothing, Collectif, Hell Bunny, Banned Apparel and many other loved pinup and rockabilly brands. There's makeup, hair product, accessories and handbags and they've just started stocking those awesome Sun Jellies tote bags! The stores are always immaculate and I find that there's a real pride in the items selected to go in the stores; the best cuts and patterns always make their way to That Shop. 

Tattooed Zombie

Shop 4, 1 Dayboro Road (right on the big roundabout)

Petrie 

Photo pinched from Tattooed Zombie's Facebook

A little off the beaten path for those of you in the city or South, but close for those of us on the Northside, Tattooed Zombie is one of my favourite places to stop. It's a small store, but if there's something in particular you're looking for, Dom is always happy to order it in for you. It's never taken more than a week for an item to come in, and Dom always messages straight away to let you know it's in stock. 

They stock Hell Bunny, Pinup Girl Clothing, Lindy Bop, Erst Wilder, and more, along with a range of shoes including TUK.

She also does some great flash sales, so I highly recommend adding Tattooed Zombie on Facebook so you know when something's coming up. Dom's always really accommodating with these sales too and if you can't make it out to Petrie at short notice, she'll take phone orders for you. 

Ursalady Creations

2/247 Logan Road

Stones Corner

Picture pinched from Ursalady Creations' Facebook

I love this shop. Everyone who works at Ursalady Creations is so friendly, they have a huge range of products from true vintage, to the latest Collectif pieces. They also stock steampunk, costumes, bustle dresses, corsets, Ursula's own line of gorgeous clothes, underwear, and lots of other bits and pieces. The prices are reasonable and everyone will go out of their way to help you; and by out of their way, I mean, I've had offers to keep the store open later until I could get there, dresses held for me and just some of the best service I've ever experienced. 

So those are a few of my favourite places to shop in Brisbane. Are you a local - where are your favourites? And I'd love to hear about stores in your local areas, Australia or otherwise! 

 

Late night shopping - the underwear edition

I only intended to miss one week’s late night shopping, but that suddenly turned into two and then three and way more! But, I’m (sort of) back on schedule now and I’m going to share another shopping list with you.

I think when you have a certain number of vintage or vintage-style dresses in your closet, you start to lust after the allover retro silhouette. I’ve never paid much attention to my foundation garments. It’s become increasingly obvious, as I prepped for pageants and photo shoots and scrutinise my pictures, examine my posture, the way clothes sit on my body and work through poses and so on, that foundations are the way to that real vintage shape.

I’m in the market now, big time, for some good shapewear that will help me keep my tummy tucked in and give great, smooth emphasis to my curves. I spend a lot of money on my wardrobe, so it’s time I actually start making my clothes look their very best by starting from the bottom and working up!
Luckily, I haven’t had to look far to find items. One of the sponsors of the Miss Bombshell Pinup Pageant last month was Sweet Pins. They’re an Australian retailer selling all the foundation basics that I need to get started.

I do love stockings, but I don’t wear them every day because I live in Queensland. So when looking for shapewear to wear with the majority of my outfits, girdles and shapers with clips aren’t the top of my list. So, I’m mostly looking at waist cinchers and waspies first without clips or all-in-one shapers. What I want to invest in first is something like this:

Rago Firm Shaping Waist Cincher (Style 821)

I’ve been following the Nylon Swish for quite a while (which is another reason why I’m ashamed to say I own very few shaping pieces). They stock a great range of shapewear and many pieces are true vintage! The whole site is an excellent place for novices like me to get started and learn more about wearing vintage undergarments. Elinor recently put up a post about getting started with retro underwear, which I'll definitely be following when it comes time to buy my new underthings! Click here to read her advice, which is better than mine given I own all of two girdles and only a few suspenders.

But getting started aside, I've got my eye on this gorgeous Kiss Me Deadly Girdle (by What Katie Did) from the Nylon Swish shop. It's nice to know that there's a local stockist for these gorgeous underthings.

Another one of the Miss Bombshell Pinup Pageant sponsors was Bonsai Kitten. Now why they don’t sell shapewear, they do have some beautiful and fun underwear sets and knickers that I’ve got my eye on. Even if you’re not wearing shapewear, I definitely think feeling comfy and cute in your under things can make a big difference to how you carry yourself. I love this Flamingo set:

And I'm kind of desperate for this set to come back into stock:

Where are your favourite retro-inspired foundation garments from? Got any recommendations for me? Advice for getting started with shapewear? Make sure you leave me a comment and let me know!!

Shopping ban

Shopping ban. Two words that strike fear into my little heart.

Okay, so it’s not that bad. And actually, my shopping habit isn't too bad (or so I think, we’re about to test that theory). I've gone a really long way with my love of shopping; years ago, there was no activity I hated more than walking around a shopping centre, trying things on, hating everything, buying a bunch and still having nothing to wear. Then I started dressing pinup and worked out where to shop and I went in the complete opposite direction; I’d walk into a store, get super excited about the colours and styles and fit and buy everything.

I've slowed down a lot since then and I've become smarter about how I shop (I can say no now quite easily). But I do have my moments where I MUST HAVE that brooch I just saw Deer Arrow post (and I have it, and love it) or that skirt or that dress… this is how I ended up with a beautiful floor length evening gown that really can’t be worn to many places.

My new Deer Arrow brooch. You can see why I had to have it, right?

When I looked at that sad evening dress hanging in my wardrobe with nowhere to go and also when I pulled out a dress to wear to my sister's recent birthday party that I've had for a year and not worn, I decided it was time for another period of no shopping. I did it for a while last year to get myself out of a financial jam, and it’s time to start again.


I'm heading off to the US of A for a couple of weeks in July and I want to have actual cash to spend, as opposed to giving my credit card a workout. There’s a visit to the Pinup Girl Clothing boutique scheduled in for my second last day in the US, so I have to have enough money left to have fun there right at the end of the trip!

So I'm putting myself on a shopping ban for June. I have a few things to get organised for a photo shoot that’s in a couple of weeks. With that in mind, I'm aiming to make them my only spends in the next week, because from Monday 1 June, it’s no shopping for this mouse.

I have worn all of these... not sure if I've read the comics yet though...

I wish I could spend $0 between now and then, but obviously, I have to eat and things will come up. I shouldn't have to buy any toiletries or things like that because I tend to be a ‘buy up while on sale’ kind of make-up and shampoo buyer. But it means limiting frivolous things like lunches out and movie tickets as well as buying absolutely no clothes or accessories. When I feel the urge for new clothes, I can guarantee there are at least five skirts in my wardrobe that haven't been worn... there are probably some dresses as well. Eeep.

My wardrobe, where apparently, there are clothes with tags on hiding

I'm also going to sell some things to give myself a bit of a boost. I've got a few dresses and cosplay things that have been retired, so if you’re that way inclined, keep an eye on my eBay!

Deep breath. I know there's nothing that I currently desperately need in order to function. I'll be right. Oh... but if anyone wants to buy me these fox slippers from Kmart, that'd be rad (I wear a size 9)...

Late night shopping - the handmade edition

I love handmade, unique things.

I also love telling people where my handmade things come from. Mostly, because my experience with a lot of people selling their own creations is unbelievably positive and I want to pass that on to other people. But it’s also because I form a bit of a bond and attachment with the sellers, and want to make sure I'm spreading the word about how awesome they are.

So today’s late night shopping is about all things handmade, and will show off some of my favourite ladies!

Clothes:

Last year, I wanted something special for my Miss Cooly day wear, and I went straight to Pigtails and Pirates. Laura was the best, rushed her shipping time, chatted to me about my choices and made a ridiculously gorgeous Avengers dress for me. Laura seems to be going from strength-to-strength in the last year, and has some of the most wonderful pinups in the world wearing her gorgeous, unique creations. I'm adding my two cents and saying that you should definitely check her site out!

It’s no secret that my most favourite seamstress is Seams Nostalgic. I’ve written about her work with vintage, nerdy skirts that are the most well-made creations I’ve ever owned before, and I’ll likely write about them again. But my most recent acquisition is the fluffiest, softest, most comfortable petticoat I have ever had. It has 0 prickle-factor and holds its shape, unlike lots of other brands I’ve purchased in the past. I’m seriously considering switching all my existing pettis out for ones made by Abi!

I’ve also become a bit more fashion-flexible lately, and love the 60s style clothing that Closet Mod is creating. Jordan is an awesome designer, constantly coming up with new, drool worthy dresses! I just can’t wait for it to be a bit colder here so I can rock my new skirt!

Accessories
Honey Cub
I love Honey Cub hair wraps (and bows too, for that matter)! I’ve posted about these before, but seriously, the prints just keep getting better and better, and I love the fact that the wire insert makes the wraps stay on my head, no matter what style I want to wear them in. They're great at hiding dirty hair days, or adding some interest on days where my hair is too clean and won't hold any sort of style!

I'm pretty excited that Honey Cub will be selling at Cooly Rocks On this year! Make sure you look for their stand and pick up some of my favourite wraps.

Miss Maestro Designs
Miss Maestro is the lady to go to when you want something a bit different. She’s my first port of call for pageant items too because she'll talk over everything you’re looking for to make sure you’re both on the same page, but also puts an amazing, unique spin on everything. My recent Ariel starfish is a good example of this. I asked for a starfish with "shinies." After a bit of back and forth, this is what was sent to me and I LOVE it (and it got lots of compliments at Gold Coast Supanova).

Miz Smitten Kitten
Miz Von of Miz Smitten Kitten is one of the kindest, nicest people in the vintage scene and she also sells some truly lovely things. It’s hard to pinpoint my favourite things from her; I’ve got earrings and brooches, cardigan clips and necklaces, wallets and glasses, custom hair flowers… even kewpie dolls! But I do think that her do-rags are some of my favourites because they’re the large size, perfect for covering pin curls if I need to go out while my hair is being set. I wore my Wonder Woman one practically all weekend last week at Supanova! I also love that I can send Miz Von a picture of a dress and say 'please make me something to go with this,' and she whips up something perfect every time!

Daisy Jean Floral 
I've only got one piece from Daisy Jean Floral so far, but given the quality, the speed at which it was delivered and the buying experience, I know it won't be my last. I love following the Daisy Jean Instagram, and you should too!

Who are your favourite handmade sellers? I always want to find more, so make sure you let me know by leaving a comment below!

Late night shopping - the swimsuit edition

Even though we’re finally starting to see some cooler weather here (I even woke up snuggled right down under the doona this morning, which made a nice change from sweating on top of it), my online browsing lately has consisted of 80% swimwear. It might be that I’ve just entered Miss Cooly Rocks on for 2015 and I’m starting to dream of the outfits I’d wear if I am lucky enough to be chosen as a finalist, or it might be that some of my friends are spending their upcoming Saturday afternoon floating in a pool of giant candy-inflatables at Sherbert Birdie’s pool party…

Anyway, here are some of my drool-worthy, wishlist items:

Bathing beauty suit from Modcloth

I have a thing about lobster print (I missed out on a Dangerfield lobster dress once and I’ve never gotten over it). Anyways, I love this suit so much – though if anyone sees something similar in white with red lobsters, let me know because I’d be all over that.

Fancy Dip One piece from Modcloth

I don’t think I’d ever get away with this suit, but there’s something about it that screams 70s movie star to me. It’d look awesome with a big floppy hat like this one from Unique Vintage:

Retro style pleated hat from Unique Vintage

Dive for excellence bikini in banana print from Modcloth

I can’t eat bananas in real life, but I do like them as a print (as long as it’s not scratch ‘n’ sniff). This suit is super cute and if I bought it, I’d be immediately asking Honey Cub to find me a banana print material and make me a headscarf to match!

And then there are accessories. 

Cream retro swimcap from Unique Vintage

When I used to do swimming training, I hated my cap. This cap, however, I love.

Crab print tote from Unique Vintage

This bag is awesome and would go with the crustacean theme of the lobster suit

Quay black thick Monroe sunglasses from Unique Vintage

And lastly, I think these sunnies would look rad with the 70s swimsuit!

With so many choices, I'm not actually sure what I'll pick if I do get into Miss Cooly. What do you guys think? And are you going to enter this year? There's still time, check out the Miss Cooly Rocks On Facebook for details. 

Late Night Shopping - Pinup DisneyBounding edition

I've always been a classic Disney girl (obviously, with a pinup name like Miss Mickey), but since I started cosplaying as Ariel, I've become a lot more obsessed with Disney Princesses. This year I've been eagerly going through pictures from Disney's Dapper Day celebrations, ogling all the girls who have been DisneyBounding as popular characters.

For those of you who haven't heard of DisneyBounding or Dapper Day, here are a few definitions for you:

Dapper Day is a twice-yearly celebration of 'stepping out in style' held at Disney parks around the world. The point is, you dress up to go to Disney; whether that's vintage and dapper, or just your interpretation of classy and elegant.

DisneyBounding is an interpretation of a Disney character's outfit that isn't actually a costume. I'm pretty sure this came about because adults are not actually allowed on Disney property dressed in costumes, so people don't confuse them with the people who are paid to be princesses and princesses (for some obvious reasons). But it's also now a part of Dapper Day that people dresses as dapper versions of their favourite characters. 

I love this idea so much (obviously, since this is the concept I used for my Rockabilly Ariel costume), and I know a few of you would enjoy being incognito princesses in your everyday clothes, so this week's Late Night Shopping is all about helping you get that Disney look in your wardrobe, with a vintage twist!

1. Rockabilly Ariel (modelled off my own costume, except I made my skirt and necklace myself!)

Rockabilly Ariel (DisneyBounding) by miss-mickey-1 featuring disney jewelry

2. Snow White
Not the Zombie version this time. I do a version of this outfit, except I have a gorgeous yellow vintage dress that I found as a HUGE fluke (it was pretty much exactly what I was looking for - anyone who thrifts, knows that NEVER happens). This one is based off things you can get in store currently.

Pinup Snow White by miss-mickey-1 featuring a blue cardigan

3. Mickey Mouse
I couldn't do a DisneyBounding blog without including my namesake, Mr Mickey Mouse. I've seen lots of pinup versions of Minnie (and it's super cute and easy to do!) but never so much old Mickey. I did a version of Mickey, pinup Steamboat Willie Mickey, for my work Christmas party last year and it was the most comfortable Christmas party outfit I've ever worn.

Pinup Mickey Mouse by miss-mickey-1 on Polyvore

I had heaps of fun using Polyvore to create these collections and will definitely be using it to create more!!

Which characters would you like to see added? 

Late Night Shopping – The boot edition

I’m still dreaming of colder weather and a trip to the shops this week hasn’t done anything to ease that! A browse in the shoe shops which was supposed to be me looking for pageant shoes turned into me wanting to buy about 65000 pairs of boots.

Before I share my favourite boots at the moment, I just want to add a quick disclaimer about my links to shopping sites. For this particular post, the only shopping site I get any sort of compensation from is ModCloth. As an affiliate, I get a tiny commission if you purchase something after clicking through to their site from my blog. This doesn't affect your sale, the price of what you buy or anything like that, it just gives me a little love for passing you on. When it comes to ModCloth, I spend a lot of time looking through their very extensive site, and I love sharing the awesome stuff they stock, so the commission is really just a bonus.

I'm affiliated with a couple of sites, and all of them are listed in the sidebar. If you're considering buying from any of these retailers, I'd love for you to show that you've come via my blog by clicking on the banner ads (and that doesn't mean you have to buy what I've recommended either, just click the link and your browsing experience will be exactly the same and you can buy whatever you like!).

And that's all I'll say about affiliate programs for now. For the other sites, these are just boots that I've found by trawling through websites and wanted to save you guys some of that trawling time!

Short boots
I never used to wear short boots because I thought they made me look chunky. Now I think there are a lot more varieties and styles around that I don’t think that’s the case. Here are some of my picks:

Stud ankle boots from Target Australia

I actually have a pair that's very similar to this, and they're comfy and great for rainy days. They scream tough girl and would go great with tights or jeans, but I actually like the contrast of wearing them with pretty dresses.

Tour date bootie from Modcloth

I love lace up boots, I think they look best with my coloured tights. These are super cute and a good neutral colour.

A lotus to love bootie from Modcloth

I have absolutely no idea where I'd wear these, but aren't they pretty?

Berry boots from Rivers

These berry boots would look so great with mustard tights! I think I might have to get a pair.

Docs
God I love Docs. When I was twelve I begged my parents for a pair of Docs. Mostly, I wanted them because everyone else had them, but I promised my mum if she got them for me, they would last. In general, we didn’t ever get to keep up with the Joneses, but for my thirteenth birthday, I got the best pair of shoes ever, black Docs.

I’ll turn 33 towards the end of this year and guess what? I still wear those Docs. So yes, Mum, I didn’t lie, they really did last.Unfortunately, I don’t think modern Docs are made in England any more and the quality isn’t as good. But the prints? Are fabulous.

Vintage daisy print

Japanese tattoo print

English vintage rose print

Long Boots
I tend towards brown or grey boots over black with long ones because I feel they can look a bit heavy. That’s just personal opinion though, and all this being said, I do tend to wear the boots I bought for my Black Widow costume a lot during the winter with all types of dresses. I think it’s whatever mood strikes me when I’m getting dressed, really.

London Rebel 'Bamboo' style from Famous Footwear

I really like slouchy boots, and these ones might make it onto my shopping list.

'Femya' napa leather boots in tan from Wittner

These tan boots look like they would be soft and lovely!

What I have found in the shops this year (so far, it's only early days in the season yet), is that there aren't a lot of tall boots around. I wonder if they're not as popular?

Would love to see your boot styling, or hear if you buy anything I've recommended!