Limited edition 'Rocker Girl Jane' dress in Midnight Rose

How this dress came about has a cute story behind it. I bought a roll of this cotton sateen rose print fabric in November 2010. I did'nt get around to making the intended dresses as other work had to be done first.

So, the dress was going to have capped sleeves, a full skirt and boat neck bodice. My friend Joy, who also runs a vintage inspired clothing label and also happens to share my birthday, made the same dress using the same fabric and neither of us knew we had the same roll of fabric or our intentions for how we were going to use it.

Instead, I have turned the roll of beautiful fabric, which I have named the print Midnight Rose into 12 'Rocker Girl Jane' dresses.

They are fully lined using cream coloured lining and come with a fabric covered belt in black for a little contrast.

Available in size 10, 12 and 14 you can buy one from my online store, Darling Central in the ACT, Thread Den and I Dream A Highway in Victoria.

Photo credit: Helen McLean Photography

Styling and model: Candice DeVille

Non-wedding dress looks charming

When Sally and I sat down for our first consultation, the first thing she said was something like, "I know you don't make wedding dresses but...". As I generally don't make wedding or bridesmaid dresses, I was hesitant at first, but in the end was really glad that I took on this project.

Sally chose an existing design from my online folio and I have to say, this was one of the most stress free and delightful projects I have ever worked on.

Throughout the construction of the dress, we nicknamed it the "non-wedding dress" as I know that I would have suffered from anxiety if I attached the word "wedding" to it.

We chose 100% Polyester Cream coloured Shantung and used 100% Viscose lining. We decided against 100% Silk as Sally wanted to keep creasing to a minimum. A white petticoat was worn underneath and our original idea of a sash, ribbon or self covered belt was discarded on the wedding day, which I think worked well.

Sally's sister Claire accompanied Sally to all of her fittings which was great as it was good to have a third person to help with fitting and styling decisions.

Red shoes and her mothers re-worked wedding veil completed the outfit beautifully.

Sally, thank you so much for choosing me to make your "non-wedding dress", you looked as perfect as I imagined on your wedding day and I look forward to seeing more photos soon!

Would you like the hairstyle to go with that dress?

If I was given $50 everytime one of my custom order clients asked if I knew of a freelance pin up hairstylist, I would be writing this blog from my apartment in NYC.

My friend Betsy is a talented vintage inspired hairstylist. She does'nt do haircuts or perms, just great pin up, rockabilly, 1950's and 1960's inspired hairstyles.

Based in Northcote, Victoria, Stylette is a new business run by Beth. Her business has grown after a huge demand for her services has turned into a small business.

She has done styling for weddings, pin up photoshoots, rockabilly fashion photoshoots and for gals just wanting an extra special look for a night out.

For appointments contact Beth via email: stylettehair@gmail.com

Photo credit: Nicole Reed (ashotaway.com)

Peta's hair styled by Beth, make up done by Dani (2006)

Pretty in Pink Angelique

My latest creation is a one of a kind 'Angelique' dress made from Pink and White check in Poly/Viscose.

The skirt is full circle and is photographed with an underskirt underneath. This dress is unlined with just a top facing and has an invisible zip in the side seam.

As with my other 'Angelique' dresses, the shoulder straps are made from velvet ribbon and the dress comes with a 2" wide fabric covered belt.

This dress is a size 10 and is available from Thread Den in North Melbourne.

Stray Cats are coming!

If you are going to see Stray Cats play on their farewell tour in 2009 and live in or a visiting Melbourne, drop in to Thread Den and treat yourself to something new to wear!

Over the next month or two, I will be doing weekly shipments of new dresses, skirts and shirts so drop in and say hi to the wonderful team there.

All the details are on the poster.

Thank you to Nicole Reed of ashotaway.com for photographing and creating this beautiful flyer!