The Ache and the Heartbreak

At one point if you have ever lived you might find yourself suffering from a broken heart.

My heart breaks a lot, sometimes a little sometimes a lot.

I blame it on my accessible emotion. On being generous with my heart.

I would rather offer love in any relationship than not.

Some shelter, some refuse to experience the multi-faceted experience of love and pain.

Loves pain can crack you open to a newer deepened experience of yourself.

Why stand in a shallow when you can immerse yourself fully experience bliss but risk the pain.

All artwork my own - https://www.redbubble.com/people/Lisadee

A heart is immense it has reign and terrain for everything. The many forms of love of friendship, courtship, of things and places, of objects, concepts, and spaces, of music, textures, and tastes.

Love does not ruin us it is what makes us alive.

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Moonstuck


"Love don't make things nice, it ruins everything, it breaks your heart, it makes things a mess. We're not here to make things perfect. Snowflakes are perfect! The stars are perfect! Not us! Not us! We are here to ruin ourselves and break our hearts and love the wrong people and die!"

Weird Little Men that Turn Me On.

Leo Sayer

I am sure he is a colored guy on the inside - cool falsettos ultimate loose dance moves and that hair. Play me any Leo track and I am yours...

Danny DeVito

I don't know? He probably up to my waist in height - not classically attractive but he is one powerfully charismatic and talented man. I am not sure with the right amount of atmosphere and wine if I could be trusted. Seriously this guy has got something most other guys do not and I love the 'stache!

Radar O'Rielly

When I was a young girl I admit it I loved both Alan Alder for his sharp wit and elegant hair and Radr. But I really loved Radar - although I thought the bear was a bit much. I think I trusted Radar he was the good guy and I was always fascinated by that hat...perhaps thats where it all started?

Confession is now over.

Danny - The Money Shot

Caving into Porn and Design Paleo Style

There are many architectural movements no doubt 1000's to explore. 

Mid Century to Brutalist is the range that serves me best, its is my little luscious niche. I find it all very stimulating, the lines, the space, the colours the textures, it percolates in my head.  I must confess great design is the porn I choose, I pore over it, it gives me the jolt I am looking for.

Recently I found these stunning examples of design and it stuck me what truly resonates at the core of good and great architectural design. A building or structure can connect with you at your core in a Palaeolithic subconscious sense. This house below is cave like appearing to be encapsulated by the earth and trees the timber and lighting emulates a flame like warmth inviting you inside.

This reptilian inspiration is undeniably animal as it negotiates its way through the interior of this restaurant. Damn fine!

Awesome in scale this building is part limestone cave interior, part sun lit sap dripping from a tree, it reminds me both of beetle and armadillo shell this creation is magnificent and inspired.

We are all part animal and we hear the wild wild call no matter how far removed from deep inside of us we may think it is. Our hidden paleo past pings into existence even if it is triggered by the most civilised escalation of our expression and development.

While marvelling at the technology and genius it takes to create these magnificent buildings from deep inside me comes a very reassuring 'Ugg.'

Unlikely Vintage Inspirations that are Completely Queer

I love a bit of vulgar culture. Fashion offers up a plethora of fodder especially during those most perplexing of decades of the 60's and 70's. Recently I was discussing the true hideousness of some of the television at that time. The recollections of truly questionable character portrayals and fabrics that were as confronting as the sideburns presented.

The worst offenders were the British - UK TV. 

Are You Being Served?

Now I do not mean to be unkind but what was the casting brief here?

Ever questionable physical comedy. 

Resulting in cringe worthy intimacy leaving you reeling and queasy not unlike car sickness. 

The Stoic and the Flamboyant counterbalance apparently resulting in hilarity.

Now I don't know what happened in my head as a small child taking this all in but somewhere amongst the mix of abrasive voices and the bad comedic premise I fell in love. I turned...

To this day I love this look above.

Something about her powdered look, his true degree of maturity and dapper refinement and most of all the fabrics and the past its use by date of early 1960's fashion being worn on and on. Perhaps that is the reason I collect nasty nylon night wear that I am sure that Mrs S could have swanned about in. Oh the harsh nylon goodness, the smell and look of the old 'Taft' hairspray, talcum powder and face compact heavily layered, lavender eyeshadow and pastel pink lips. 

Or as I like to call it...

Old lady Grunt.

This image is such a great exponent of what I am on about. Besides the almost Groucho like face on the dark haired man these folks are totally and completely rocking it. 

With an attitude adjustment these people could be positively sexy. 

The foxy redhead wins hands down to me...Go Mrs Slocombe!

Wikipedia...

During its run, the series attracted some mild criticism for its reliance on sexual stereotypes and double entendres, including jokes about Mrs. Slocombe's "pussy" (cat) e.g., Mrs Slocombe, "Animals are very psychic; the least sign of danger and my pussy's hair stands on end".

Come to think of it you could spell her name in an all together different way...upon reflection perhaps they weren't so clueless.

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...

My Top Oscars Acceptance Speeches So Far!

It is about the speeches...

as you will see.

Beginning with the incredible stable opening and ending in a mish mash of quite delicate emotion about her entire life - stick with it to the end. I admire her raw emotion and how clearly you can see this moment does mean everything to her.

GWENYTH PALTROW


This open hearted warm outpouring - love him! The crowds reaction- pure beautiful humanity.

CUBA GOODING JNR



This is how I might react but I think I might wet my pants fall down and have a snotty nose too. Not that I am emotional or anything...ahem. I am a kisser and a hugger too, no one would be safe I would wipe my nose on every face and or shoulder.
Her response to winning this award is incredible!
See the film Monsters Ball she deserves the award her performance was mesmerising.

HALLE BERRY


Only from the divne Sophia Loren could such an award be given so perfectly! Now its no secret that I do have a penchant for men with sexy accents and Italians in particular but Roberto here is irresistible! He speaks of love - god bless this man and his effusiveness. As he said Love is Divinity.

ROBERTO BERNINI


I think it is very brave to not only act but to give a tidal wave of emotion and thanks for be awarded for doing so, I admire these people for every facet they display, for being true, human and exposed.

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

::: 1960's Mens Dandy Fashion :::

DANDYISM

dan·dy/ˈdandē/

Noun:	A man unduly devoted to style, neatness, and fashion in dress and appearance.
Adjective:	Excellent: "upgrading seemed a dandy idea".
Synonyms:	noun.  dude - fop - beau - jack-a-dandy - coxcomb adjective.  swell - fine - dapper - foppish

Back in the early 1960's a new men's fashion emerged 'The Dandy' harking from the true dandy phase in period costume the dandy look took its cues from the early 1800's English notable  Beau Brummel

Tailored and refined in cut the new men's silhouette in its truest form sports the defining two key elements: pants floating high on the ankle 4 - 6 cm above the shoe, the shoe neat and square toed or a wider round point, later 60's saw fabulous men's ankle boots of a similar vain and the Pea Coat Jacket with the exaggerated broad revers (lower part of the collar).

The Pea Coat was a cross over from the Marine style jacket - think a sailors captain and the vintage costume double breasted jacket.

The trend followed on from the extreme and lean sharp tailoring of the 1950's think Mad Men. God help you if you were not trim back then. Men's sizes were sold in ranges of Tall, Regular and Stout...ahem...

I would marry this guy today based on the outfit alone!

The look was one of the first waves of youth fashion and fashion has never looked back since then. Bands loved the look it was reactionary and seen as a radical direction to take along with long hair and wild colours, cravats and lace shirts were sported by the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Who and Herman's Hermits, their later years yields testimony to the lairy fact. The trend then sees Mick Jagger Below morphing into a 1970's Ghetto Pimp - the latter Dandy.

The Rolling Stones

The Who

Now I love a man who has his eye on fashions changeable horizons, a man with some flair. The new take on this look I adore, but be warned it suits a select few.

 And that's Fridays Fashion for you...dandy to you!

Branding Research ::: TELL ME IS IT ALL JUST SPIN?

There seems to be a sudden glut of branding specialists and businesses. It's not just for businesses and corporations anymore either, individuals are now being encouraged to be their own brand: Footballers, industry experts and employees!

Eight to ten years ago it was all about the personal or company Mission Statement. Now its about the Unique Positioning Statement attached to your personal or company brand. 

There are some beautiful brands and logos around - some lovely websites and marketing pitches being bandied around. I encourage all of that I in fact love that side of branding myself its an area I have specialised in and continue to thoroughly enjoy.

But with this proliferation of BRANDING and the recent focus on its perceived importance what I find myself asking is...

Does it work?

Who uses it?

Who benefits from its implementation?

What businesses if any thrive without ever truly have engaged it?

When does it work?

What is its value?

Now no one wants to do a survey.
Usually they are time consuming and a little irritating like a pap smear or prostate examination.

BUT!

What if the results are highly relevant to you? What if they clarify some underlying questions and business/branding queries you may have? In this instance I do hope its relevant and applicable information I can share with you the will be beneficial and at least interesting to examine.

WHO

The people I need to complete the survey will be from all walks of business and 'monetising' large and small, local and global. Please I implore you to pass this invitation on.

WHAT

What am I hoping to achieve? To gather the findings and deliver clear and distinct information that can help your bottom line.

WHERE

See the survey below and if you feel compelled subscribe as I will posting the results in a blog with anonymity assured.

WHEN

Now

HOW

By asking clear and basic questions then by compiling the results and deliver them back to you here free of charge.

All I need is a little of your time and help, I am not gathering a data base this is solely to satisfy my own queries and curiosity. All information will be strictly confidential and not used for profit on my behalf or any other party.

So get on board and lets find out what really happening.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

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!

Same But Different...

Might sound like something Vicky Pollard might say but if you thing about it it can apply to everyday.

So I hear you say 'Yeah but no but' right.

What is the same? If your lucky you wake up with automatic nervous system working, the brain is functioning lungs active, limbs are active on call, your jaw works and all is ok.

If we are all lucky there is no nuclear fall out, the sun is shining and there is no flood or fire at your door. If you are really lucky there are no land-mines, guns or dead bodies out on your street. If you are having a 'same' day you get to open your fridge and the milk is still there - I am talking that kind of the same.

The sameness of life we all take for granted yet miss like crazy should it not present itself.
"WHAT NO MILK?!"
Its enough to make to make you want to smash things apart on a bad day.

As human beings we all idiotically and seamlessly take most things for granted - like a day. Whats worse it seems is we are all aware of it. We indulge in inane chatter about the nature of these things, while quietly pining for a newer or more prestigious car.

Now I am not going to get all evangelical on you but...
What if your same was different...as of today or tomorrow? What if something untoward did occur? How retrospectively grateful would we all be.

Its not often we cherish a day, an hour, another person, out belongings, our health, our position in this life, where were born, what talents we have or can develop. Think about that for a moment think of how fortunate your normal is. I is natural or western perhaps to always want more I suffer from that affliction too.

Damn commercialism and spiritual vapidness!

What if we took our same - our beautiful same - for a moment appreciated it, embraced and thanked the heavens or Jebus for our same.

I am loving my same.

Some elements of my same, some I never want to change.

What if we took the elements of our same and made it different? Same but different.

I am embracing my same but making it different, I am taking what I do have and striving towards what I can do and we can always do more, even if not for yourself. We can grow, continue to develop use our time more wisely.

From now on my day will be the same but different.
x

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?

Admire this work immensely ::: Dina Goldstein & Disney

Disney never looked so good..

 Goldstein explores the feminine mystique like no other her incisive cynicism and wit makes her a woman after my own heart.

 DINA GOLDSTEIN

An interesting and cutting exploration of the femme myth.

Quite biting.

Lucky for me I never entertained the idea of the saccharine frothy ideal.

WORK WEAR IN THE AIR - FLY WITH ME!

Uniforms aren't what they used to be. Just ask Emilio Pucci about this sensible work helmet hat thingy he designed to preserve the hair styles of the flight attendant of the 1960's.

 

60's fetish boots and PVC a plenty - now that's flying... OK we have well established my love for the vintage so lets go through it.

1940's
These women were largely influenced by their role and association in the military - dignified restraint quite beautiful.

Air India 1946

1950's
With a hangover from the bombshell's of the 1940's the 50's uniforms sport a more unabashed and figure hugging uniform, unmistakeably sexy yet modest and refined.

Swinging 60's! Oh la laaahhh...

70's questionable hair and gusset hugging shorts worn with low slung belts and ultra cool boots and fabrics so harsh they'll double as industrial abrasives!

 

1980's...More horrific than bad turbulence with a vomiting child seated next to you - shudder/cringe.

Nordair early 80's

I hope counseling was provided after these ladies suffered the trauma of wearing these outfits.

1990's Apparently prints were in. Not bad things are turning very corporate at this point.

2000's - Today...

Things have certainly settled down a bit now and I think it all works but I think I might have to buck the system.

What I really want to wear in my invisible jet...

The correct way to wear gold accessories and I just adore her body the ultimate feminine.

I think I will petition the airlines today - get in touch with Richard Branson and have a face to face.

I am a fashion designer and surely he needs uniforms for his Virgin Galactic Team...ohhh I will take inspiration from here must dash off to contact 'Richo'

Ciao Ciao and air kisses darlings!