Date Night at Vue De Monde Melbourne

Date nights are always great and I love an excuse to dress up so with my best plastic and cheap jewellery which I adore, my perfect 70's vintage bag, Chocolate and scarlet shoes and a nifty little number I picked up a while ago I headed out into the chilly Melbourne weather to destination unknown...I love a nice surprise. I always carry a compact and this is my fav' from Shiseido which gives a lovely matt finish and a freshly pressed handkerchief - be prepared.

What I was not prepared for was to dine at Shannon Bennett's Vue De Monde - the exclusive assess begins with a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory like entrance via lift from there it is all a little bit lovely. The restaurant has an incredible cellar with some very rare vintages. Expert Sommelier Anthony is a virtual wealth of information and enjoys sharing his passion, I love seeing people truly love their vocation. It was an unexpected delight to learn the heratige behind this 1969 bottle.

The view the restaurant offers perched above the Rialto is quite extraordinary and must be seen to be appreciated. 

Everything is part of the theatre and delight - be warned if eating offal and native animals offend you might need to let staff know. I only shied from one dish alone this image is the beginning of the degustation experience which was an enlightening culinary ride. The staff who attended us the very warm and attentive Natasha, Rachelle and Anthony made the experience inviting and made me want to revisit the restaurant before the evening was over. I have worked in service and this team gets it so right. One thing I also would urge you to do is try the Tasmanian Black finely ground Pepper it is full of flavour and naitve notes I adored this love love!

You can see the MENU here. I enjoyed the Champagne and the Rose'. 

You can book online and when you get there tell them Lisa sent you Cheers! http://www.vuedemonde.com.au/

Then you can always take a little peice back home with you.

I hear there is no need to make reservations for Live Jazz at the Lui Bar every Sunday

...is it Sunday yet?

Vintage Shopping - How to Get it Right!

I have a lot of people say to me...

I love what you are wearing I wish I could get away with it.

So...after a dismiss the notion that the comment could be a dig I thank them.

I shop vintage often and watch people struggle with the entire concept of the vintage shopping experience so I thought I would offer some guidelines.

My top ten hints for getting it right! 

1: It must call you!

You have to be drawn to it either by the colour texture or fabric.  

                                                      
2: Will it fit? 

This is of most importance and I would say you can almost totally ignore size labels. All of the size standards have changed for both local and international manufacturing.

For instance I am roughly an Australian size 10 sometimes a size 8 fit in the current sizing standard but have found that with older garments a size 14 will just fit. Vintage UK sizing are usually pretty correct and are often gauged by the bust size so I can buy a vintage pattern or garment in a size 32" or 34" and it will fit. Waist for UK sizes are usually pretty accurate but are often are tailored with corsetry in mind so depending on the era the garments may have tiny waists and womanly hips within the design. On this point you can check seam allowances to allow for alterations. Measure your self before you go, write it down if need be.

3: DO NOT damage the garment.  

This garment has survived, if it doesn't fit don't force it. Be gentle ask for assistance if necessary. Don't ruin the garment for the next person.

4: Allow a lot more time for the shopping experience. 

We are not talking off the rack these are rare items, take your time you will find your fit.

5: Do not butcher the fit! 

If it is a beautiful A line 60's frock don't think it will transform into a fitted dress well. The entire pattern construction is engineered for it to fit a certain way - some tweaks are very do able but silhouette is usually much harder to redefine...sometimes it is better not to try it will only look wrong.

I took this in just under the arms at the side seams and complied with the original design lines as the garment was intended.

The alterations are invisible - see the side seam and the accesories teamed
with the dress are sympathetic to the era.

6: Many vintage garments are home made by individuals - like back in the day. 

Watch for height issues. I just had the experience of finding an ideal shirt that I almost purchased without trying on. When I did pop it on I found the darts were way to high and this threw the entire look out of whack - an awkward fit makes the entire vintage thing look wrong. The garment was made for a very short person and on me the fit was not at all convincing. It has to look like YOU own it.

7: Is it too costumey? 

I often find that I love the loudest most ridiculous items they attract me - see my first point above. 

Clearly I am too busy talking here but what I am trying to say is this original late 60's early 70's Maxi looked far too costume before I shortened the hemline - any shorter however and it would revert to costume again.

8: Re think it! 

Okay what if it is too costumey but you must have it? Play everything else down while you wear it. Tone down the shoes and other items while being sympathetic to the look. See above.

9: Ask the shop assistant / store owner for assistance. 

They are working in the niche because they love it and a passionate person will be more than happy to help out.

10: Launder it well - you have worked hard to own your gem now take care of it. 

Mend where and when required, pop some new buttons on if you need to. Take your belts and bags to be cared for by experts, jackets can be relined, repaired and renewed by dry cleaning care.

*More tips soon on where to find the best items very soon so you might want to subscribe - meanwhile...to thine garments be kind.

Lisa has spoken x.

Shhh a little more here...

Shopping Vintage ::: The Best of Bad Taste.

I have been shopping vintage since I was about 13 years of age (long long ago). During a high school camp I just had to duck into a thrift shop and buy a 1960's silver necklace...I was ridiculed mercilessly for it.

Morons.

They mocked I very quietly felt smug. I didn't care - they didn't get it and I had a unique piece. I was hooked.

Fabrics prints and cut - I don't care where its from how little or how much it cost if I love it I must have it. I am no designer snob. Sure I understand fine fabric and garment construction but impact for me wins every time!

Years spent trawling through peoples off casts gathering things I just simply adored, whether it was to worn or not has amassed me quite a collection. I may have to cull it soon with a sale but I doubt it, they are irreplaceable. Somethings I buy just because, I have a vulgar collection of hideous 70's kitchenware, a truly beautiful collection of mid century ceramics - not huge but every piece to me divine, fabulous hats mostly 1950's some I have worn but all of these things I am proud to own.

My advice for collecting is...If it makes you smile - get it. If it makes no sense at all but you love it - have it. Life is far too short to edit. Live it, make your heart sing!

Sometimes I get to pull out an item I've never worn but have harbored for years - they are the things that other people comment on and say they wish they could wear. I got this little number recently it was far too short and far too big till I took it in and thought of teaming it with Opaques.

What can I say...Who doesn't want to look like vintage wallpaper?

Another fascination lately has been boxy vans...don't start me. The flatness of the front, the side mirrors are industrial art not design, the trim...garhhhh drool.....

How cool is this ride and how much fun could a night out with the gang be in this machine? 

Get the music thumping...

Anyone interested in a vintage shopping tour? Hmmm...

Some advice before we begin.

Look you went too far ::: Public Beauty Fails

How do you tell someone?

Look at 60 years of age that face tatt' is just not rockin'.

What do you mean I'll have more birthdays?

Midriff at  work - nah...

I know I dropped my USB...

Diamonte grill on your teeth - dunno. I still have images of James Bond villains reverberating around my head.

The eyelash extensions that look like bike spokes hanging off your eyes - not good.

She has an excuse...

Yeah that 'I just rolled in baby poo' tan - ya' gotta stop it.

Sunday morning at the Supermarket this look just does not translate!

Competeting with the Bimbos are the Himbos...

The ba-jazzle og the fa' jazzle that is your nails - just cut it out.

Ya clanging and banging long giant fake nails with the decals - look they are not your cars duco so maybe you might re think it. Long nail extensions are a neutering just waiting to happen - if I were a guy I would run a thousand miles from anyone sporting these gonad slicing wonders. Besides how close can you get to yourself in terms of personal hygiene - what do you do get a rag on a stick to take care of things?

As for as the vagazzle - if your Cha Cha has got to look like a mirror ball you're doing something wrong. What next doof doof speakers hanging from your ovaries? 

SKINHEADS & SHARPIES THE FASHION THAT WAS!

What a bizarre arrangement of fashion statements the Sharpie and Skinheads subscribed to with no uncertainty. It went something like this...

STARTING FROM THE FEET UP

Doc Martins, Crepe sole shoes, treads and platform shoes either laced or zip up ankle boot style are a statement all of their own; chunky clunky unsightly and mean. Drab colours of black, burgundy, chocolate, ox blood and forest green.

These shoes were made for kicking heads in...how charming.

Skin tight denim jeans or cords, perhaps some pinstripe flares that defy all logic that once started their life out as a 3 piece suit. What side these dudes dressed on was as plain as the nose on their face - so many puns to avoid...

Chest hugging 'Connie' jumpers' and cardigans, tight denim jackets with rounded exaggerated bean shaped collars worn over the obligatory tight basic 't'. Cigarette packets shoved into the tight cap sleeves were also a part of the signature look. Older Skinheads and Sharpies often sported tattoo's which at the time were still a stigma associated with a less than desirable lifestyle and were the realm of ex-con's, sailors and bikers.

Tattoo's of a tear or star on the face were definitive of this tribe, there was nothing soft about it the rougher and tougher the better. Necks emblazoned with a dotted line across them had the words 'cut here' as as instructions. Tattooed knuckles and hands were also very typical. Stud earrings, sleepers or small crucifix's were worn in the ears of the guys and the girls often in multiples.

Heads were shaved clean or clipped very close to the head thus the term Skinhead. Men and women often left the back few centimeters of hair at the back of the head this was the 'Sharpie' hair cut.

THIS IS ENGLAND
A powerful portrayal of the English brand of skinheads, a tough gritty film with exceptional styling.

http://skinsnsharps.com/

The Australian version.

(I think he was off to Tullamarine Airport or perhaps Camperdown?)

The fashion was as brutal and ugly as the lifestyle. You did not dare look sideways at anyone that looked like one of these guys or girls, fist fights and brawls were fought by both sexes. As a small child this stuff was a mean and threatening presence and very identifiable. The gangs were predatory and many did eventually find their way to jail or had their lives cut short. I don't romanticise the existence of this brutal sub culture their intent was to intimidate and harass. I prefer to recall the experience of growing up during the last dying years of the Skinheads and the Sharps as a Fashion anomaly - a curiosity. There is a small re emergence of the look embraced by today's youth market. Lets hope they are not as angry, self destructive and violent as the originals.

Take two - the revival of the 1970's look in 2012
A lot softer than the original version the new cross pollination of folk and Sharpie fashion does have its charm.

The brilliant and talented actress and comedian Magda Szubanski has given us much pleasure with her indelible character Michelle of Michelle and Ferret Sharpie the couple as seen in this clip. This 'is' the Skinhead dance. Enjoy and give it a crack - preferably while at a work function.

Eat Like You Are Away ::: United Arab Eatery

I love food it is no secret and living in Melbourne is like an indulgent food discovery at any given time. Having recently eaten at Attica I was blown away by the quality of the food I came across at U.A.E United Arab Eatery and found myself making comparisons to the restaurant.

U.A.E is not a restaurant it is a lovely little homely cafe eatery.

Open for lunch and dinner everything is homemade and exquisite something to be experienced rather than recommended - they do offer take away and patrons were more than happy to wait for their order and I can understand why, in fact I thought thrice about sharing this place as I selfishly want to covet it and its limited seating. Beautifully selected ingredients are fresh and blended with seemingly effortless yet spectacular results. Another thing I love about this place is its conviction in regard to offering a limited array of drinks that perfectly compliment the menu.

This the Roasted eggplant and pumpkin meal I would seriously recommend as I would any other I have had since, the lamb and preserved lemon pide is also divine.

So if you want to get a little cosy and enjoy some great food every time - get to U.A.E tell them you read my blog and tell them Lisa says Hello.

UAE

107 High Street 

Preston
T: 9480 4044

Sultry Sexy Sex Kittens of the 1960's ::: The Ladies

NOTE: They were referred to as 'kittens' implying an innocence, a naivety, a softness a harmlessness.
Behold the 1960's Sex Kitten and her beguiling, charming, enticing allure. Don't fret I am already considering Sirens for another blog post, for now its the nymphets. These felines smell of powder and hairspray, use bobby pins and fold fresh linen.

The incredible Brigitte Bardot - who later became a siren. Squeaky clean and very preened a model of good manners and coquettish temptation. 

 

Jean Shrimpton is said to be the worlds first super model. Too thin for my liking but a perfect example of the Sex Kitten. Perfect touchable hair, smouldering lips and dramatic made up eyes. Pure yet arresting images.

This is my favorite 

BAM! Supreme elegance and pared down sexy style.

  Natalie Wood

Ahh these women had something that cannot be replicated today.

Clean cut and enticing, her lawns would be perfectly manicured no doubt. She would would invite you in for a glass of milk or something more. The scent of her powder puff would be left in her wake.

These women offer sweeping fantasy's of opulent puritanical yet decadent lifestyles, of swimming pools and perfect twinsets, of cocktails and finery, of smouldering kisses and highly defined eyes.

 These females were represented as ladies...

A lady?

Feminine, refined, strong, self assured, pretty, elegant, intelligent and mighty sexy.

They might have been more covert but they sure look switched on and alert, why they might even coo and pur, swish their tail encircle your legs while giving you sweet come hither stares. Ahh the sweet fond softness of the Sex Kitten.

Ben the Banjo, the Birthday and the Delight.

So I had reason for a celebration recently - my birthday. Someone was kind enough to book at a unique resturant well in advance as is required.

Living in Melbourne you stand little chance of having a bad food experience we are throughly spoilt and I have had my fair share of unique dining experiences but nothing can prepare you for the Attica experience. Like MONA in Tasmania being frugal with your description is the only way to truly serve it justice, one needs to feel their way through.

It's been a week since our date and its only now that I can attempt to distill the experience. Like Shirley Bassey one said Where do I begin? 

It's no where, no where signifigant or glamorous thats for sure, but my once you even hover near the door the seduction begins. A dedicated team lure you in like food sirens. The interior I would liken to a classic black tuxudo, lit like a sceen from a Woody Allen film noir. The walls are like a soft velveteen black balanced agianst the slick hard true black gloss of the door surrounds and the like.

Every dish is served with a full disclosure of its ingredients and intent. Bowls and dishes enhance and delight as it frames each unique oral visual and fragrant bounty. Like a slow medative visual swish each course requires individual recognition.

Like a culinary walk through the Ausralian and New Zealand bush, scents of blossoms visit your tongue enter your nostrils. Delicate touches paying tribute to the wholesome yet refined approach are executed with heightened perfection.

Do not have any preconceived ideas, my advice is to let the experience wash over you. My compliments to the staff, mature and delightful, the entire team behind the scenes to Ben and Banjo...

Bravo!

I had no idea of what to expect - thus the delight was enjoyed 10 fold! Thank you all x. 

Belle's DINER, Burgers, Fries the Sunshine and I

Such a gorgeous day in Melbourne yesterday, the sun was a shinin'! Our winters are never too harsh and no matter whether rain hail or shine the streets are always busy here, but when the sun drops in to say 'hey' for the first time for the season you just have to get out amongst it.

So I headed down to 'Belle's Diner' in Gertrude St Fitzroy to give it a try.

 

The decor was perfect uncluttered and hit the perfect note, DINER yet not too cliched.

Staff brilliant and I am pleased to say professional and adult. The crowd excellent, unpretentious and mixed. The fodder a simple menu offering great tasty fare for a very reasonable cost. Portions are not huge but quite filling all the same and I am never afraid to eat. I loved simplicity and feel of this place.

Still finding their feet? Open 4 days as of yesterday I was impressed by every aspect. 

I thought the venue had been up and running for a while so congratulations to all involved. 

It is busy so try heading there between meal times and tell them Lisa says Hi!

What Does Your Brand Smell Like?

A BRAND?

A brand should be a clear statement.

Laser focused intent.

Not vague, unfocused or unclear.

Your brand must be consistent.

Your brand no matter what it might be must be CLEAR FOCUSED CONSISTENT. The focus on a brand or label is often the target audience or demo graphic - this is the tried and tested formulaic standard.

This is not clear enough. Your brand, label or 'signature' must personify what your business, product or service is.

Lets explore that notion in more detail : Personify

per·son·i·fy/pərˈsänəˌfī/

Verb:

Represent (a quality or concept) by a figure in human form. Attribute a personal nature or human characteristics to (something nonhuman). Your label must practically breathe. It must be 3 dimentional today. Its more than a notion of a type of person, of a particular age leading a specific lifestyle. That is very rudimentary and might have stood its ground in the less sophisticated past - as delightful and uncomplicated as they may have been. Although there are some very clear leads and exacting if not perfect examples that were set which I will address later in this piece, lets first explore the idea of your 'brand' personified. Is your brand a woman or a man, is it short or tall, muscular, fair, manicured? Does it sink or swim, is it rugged or refined, whats their garden like? Think about it. What would your brands rituals be? Up at 6am to work a farm or ski? Is it dutiful and kind? Is it sexy and svelte, chubby and cute. Where and how does it walk - or indeed strut? Perhaps it rides?  To have a totally Clear, Focused, Consistent vision you would want to entertain your labels diet. This may sound at first ludicrous but the more exacting you are with this the more precise your message will be and the more successful your marketing message will be. Ever met someone who is inconsistent, someone who cant hang their hat on one idea or thing...confusing isn't it? No matter how patient, kind and clever you might be it does your head in. Its hard work. What about the consistent person - what do they offer you? I am not talking about bland or boring - but you know who they are, what they are about, what motivates them what makes them shake! What makes them shake quake and want to copulate? You must know these things. Lets flick back to iconic 1970's advertising. What did this guy eat drink and do? I can tell you know he didn't use men's grooming products, would never even consider sushi, live in a modernist home or care what his postcode or zip code was. But we can imagine what is important to him and what his rituals might be... and... we can even imagine his smell! Earthy, sexy.  Get it?

::: Huon Me and a Cradle Makes Three :::

So the 2nd half of the Tasmania stay...

I am no nature freak - but I do regard animals and nature as having more rights than us mere humans. We continue to stuff things up, destroy, pillage and descimate, I respect nature but thought I was far from the outdoorsy type.

I had been told Cradle Mountain was quite beautiful and saw an image of a friend high in the trees enjoying an 'airwalk' and thought I'd like to try that.

Bumbled around online and fluked out big time!
Lets start with the Lodge. Chevy Chase himself could have had an American Vacation in this one was the A-typical uber lodge. Heaven kitsch yet modern enough, seriously I was going to don walking shoes like giant tennis racquets and don a fur hat.

The lodge was timber goodness surrounded by blissful nature and a beautiful array of small animals flittered about almost on cue. It was the Truman Show in Oz. I ate breakfast while watching a Platypus flit and start breaking the mirror like finish of the pond it lives in. Shy wombats waited like fat old men, gentile and timorous almost polite deciding who should cross the path first he or I.

I immediately fell in love.

This was behind the cabin...
Beyond beautiful.
This image was taken near Cradle mountain just phenomenal. These are test shots for a later shoot.

 

I am so happy with these next images that reflect the changing light as I approached Cradle Mountain and the lodge, I stopped and snapped them from the side of the road and caught all of this within 5 minutes! Light was fading and changing like I'd never seen before.

Spent a mid morning discovering the Huon River which is closer to Hobart - a bewilderment of astonishing beauty. Drove along a road practically being licked by the Huon river an incredible experience. The fog was so dense at midday you could barely make out the water in this image, it later lifted to the clearest day.

I want to go back and experience the place in every season. 

Tasmania huh who knew!

GOD BLESS THE GREENIES WHO SAVED THIS IDYLLIC PLACE!