happiness is new-year shaped

Getting in early to wish you all a Happy New Year. Ladies, if you’re still undecided about your outfit du jour, there’s still time to run this up before heading out…

This glittering silver pantsuit is fresh from the pages of Woman’s Day, January 12, 1970, where culottes and trouser suits are the only party clothes worth wearing.The yellow number is by Ninette, the print one by Vogue Overseas. The handome fella in the tux is a must-have, don’t leave home without one!

Now all you need is a nice whisky mac, while you wait for your hair to set.
Take one shot of your favourite whisky, and add two shots of Stone’s green ginger wine. Sip, and relax.

I must fly,my guests are coming over soon, and I haven’t even had my bubble bath! Thank goodness its a casual courtyard soiree…

Stay fabulous,

Vetti x

you can’t top an op-shop!

Yesterday saw me strolling the main street of Orbost. It has two second-hand stores, both are well worth a look. I staggered away after several hours with a pile of goodies:
- vintage magazines and knitting patterns
- 1960’s kids books
- two beautiful plates
- some 1970’s kids fabric
- a Gaydex tablecloth
- a 1960’s serviette holder

And one lady at Friends of Orbost uttered my favourite words “oh – we have lots more stuff you’d like! Come out the back, pick out whatever you want!” And so I did.

And here are some of my finds…

The caravan pic is an illustration by Peter Costanza. It’s in a book called “Lets Find Out About Houses”, published in 1962. It was once part of the library at Marlo Primary School. The swellegant bride is from My Home, June 1955, and the bathing belle from The Australian Women’s Mirror, December 2, 1959.

All the volunteers are sweet. I spent at least half an hour sitting on the beautiful 50’s carpet at St. James Op-Shop ( the little one, near the top pub ) just talking with the ladies. I’m sure that there’s a special place in heaven for these lovelies, full of piping hot flat whites, pub lunches, and comfy sofas….

easy, breezy, beautiful holidays…

So here I am, tuning in after a few days at fabulous Cape Conran. A fine time was had – beach walks, cricket on the radio, and kangaroos in the paddocks. Bliss!

Today’s covergirl is from My Home magazine, published in March 1950. I found her in a box of old magazines, which cost me all of $1 in Orbost. More about this in my next post…

mr dynamite has left the building

What can I say? Godfather, your smooth moves and superfly ways will be missed. You brought us funk with a capital F, legendary grooves, and style galore. The hardest working man in showbusiness has packed his brand new bag. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Mr. James Brown, soul brother number one. Damn…

I’m going away tomorrow, will be back with more on Jan 2, or maybe Dec 30 ? Stay tuned…

it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

And that means a few days siesta for yours truly – after the eating and drinking and Boxing Day sales and cricket…Joffa et moi will be heading to Bill’s beach house for a few days. What’s that? You haven’t finished your shopping? Well, ok – here’s my top ten gift ideas for him and her, with a 1960’s feel. And so we have Helena Rubinstein’s fragrances – just the thing for moderns of all ages. For any magazine buffs out there, this pic is half of a double page ad in the Australian Women’s Weekly, 15 December, 1965.

for him:
- fancy bottle opener
- cigars or cigarettes
- tie clip
- Agfa isomat rapid camera
- Jockey ’slim guy’ tee
- beach towel
- cufflinks
- subscription to a ’sporting’ magazine
- golf or tennis balls
- cedarwood cologne set

for her:
- perfume/talc/body lotion gift set
- manicure kit
- charm for her bracelet
- silk scarf
- indoor plant
- irish linen hanky ( monogrammed ) or zany teatowel
- Beatles LP
- brush and comb set
- beach bag
- bubble bath

Merry Christmas all! Its time for me to spritz on some Helena Rubinstein ( Cocktail Hour, of course ) and get on out of here. Swing by in the New Year, I’ll be posting again early January.

Kisses,

Vetti

watch out, there’s colour about…

I’m going to finish painting Joffa’s Christmas present today. And so, today’s scans are all about painting and decorating.

Introducing Spectrocolour – its’s haze free, with offbeat colours just right for modern decor. Now available in Revelite, Gaydec, Butex, and Thix !

This hip couple are big fans of the feature wall, and are well on their way to better living through paint. What they don’t know is how nasty their house really is underneath. I can tell you though: it’s clad in Durabestos sheeting…

For the curious, both of these images are from Australian House and Garden – March 1961, and May 1963

knotty pine is good for you

Here’s a pic of the Dodd’s cocktail bar – hopefully still standing in Naples Road, Mentone. Mr. Dodd built it in the upstairs den. The top is tiled in purple and blue, crazy paving style – one of Mrs. Dodd’s decorating touches. I found this diy beauty in Australian House and Garden, May 1963.

In honour of these happy homemakers, here are some smooth cocktail recipes:

The Chainsaw
10ml Chambord
50ml Vodka
1/2 mango
splash of raspberry cranberry ( I like Ocean Spray )
black pepper
…muddle mango, build over ice.

Ginger Sin
30ml Gin
30ml lime juice
ginger beer ( I like Bundaberg )
cracked ice
…stir and strain into highball glass. Top with the ginger beer.

due to popular demand…

Here’s the rest of the pack. I’m not featuring the donkey card, as he’s pretty boring compared to his mates in the hot horn ensembles. Maybe the illustrator was all out of ideas by then.

i’m with the band

These are part of a pack of Donkey cards I bought at Wantirna Trash ‘n’ Treasure. Its always fun going there – especially with the amazing Kymbo, the best shopping pal a girl could have. A bargain at 50c.

spam, bam, thank you ma’am!

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Thanks so much!