Black 'Frankie' top - PRESALE

I have had many written requests to make another run of plain black 'Frankie' tops (pictured).

As retail has been a little quiet in Australia, I am being careful about how many garments I make, so I am going to offer this top on a presale basis.

If I don't get enough orders (there is a minimum quantity of this fabric that I can buy from my supplier), your order will be refunded within the next two weeks.

Date preorder starts: 6th September 2011

Orders close: Tuesday the 20th of September, 2011 at 12pm

You can pre-order the top from here.

My own little tribute to Jani Lane (RIP)

As I waited for Puffing Billy to arrive at Emerald Station to pick up my little family and I to take us back to Belgrave Station, [the train station that takes you back to Melbourne], I had a quick look at my Facebook wall and rolled past a post by my friend Lea.

It was a Warrant clip and some words about leaving us too soon. I instantly knew it that Jani Lane had passed away.

A text message to my friend Peter of I Heart Guitar and his death was confirmed.

My heart filled with sadness and my head was confused as I was having a wonderful day out of Melbourne with my family as I mourned the passing of a fragment of my teenage years.

Now, I have to be honest, aside from 'Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich' and 'Cherry Pie', I did'nt follow the band until present day. I was one of the many people that was part of the mass migration from hard rock/glam/heavy metal to Grunge upon listening to Nirvana and Soundgarden

In 1988, I saw 'Down Boys' on MTV Australia and immediately loved the song, I telephoned my friend Jodii and we planned a trip to Metal For Melbourne to buy their album.

My friends and I went to see Warrant play when they toured and we hung out infront their hotel in hope of meeting them. From memory, I did'nt meet Warrant, but I snapped photos of them as they rushed in and out of taxi's as some of us screamed "Jerry!", "Erik!" and "Jani!".

I still listen to the two aforementioned records to this day and everytime I do, I remember a life that was innocent and carefree. We live in a society that is obsessed with looking young, but as I reflect on my wonderful teenage years, no amount of Botox can ever make you BE young.

For me personally, Jani's tragic passing is sad firstly because his children, loved ones and family will live with the pain of losing him for the rest of their lives and for me, one of the voices of my youth went before I could Tweet him and say, "hey, you're awesome and we still love your music, regardless of the fact you're no longer Warrant's front man".

If you're troubled and feel like you don't have anyone to talk to, contact your GP or Beyond Blue.

And to my old friends that are reading this blog post, remember how many times we quoted this? "Call me crazy, call me insane, call me Jani, fuckin' Lane!".

I love this photo so much...

It's been a long time since I blogged a favorite photo of a friend, however, I came across this one on my friend Sam's Facebook page and had to show it to you.

Sam and I made friends in the happy and hazy early 1990s. We lost contact during the time that we all stopped using our home phone numbers/moved out of our parents houses and started using social networks, such as Facebook. But thanks to Facebook, we are reunited as friends.

I love this photo because the person that took it captured both his shy side and his self confident side in one go.

Pop Up Studio Sale starts this week!

I am taking part in a cool little Pop Up starting this week at the Nicholas Building on Level 2, 37 Swanston Street in Melbourne.

There will be a Pinup Photo Booth run by Helen McLean, Helen will be available to discuss future photoshoots and photography work.

Artists selling their wares are Betty Jo Designs, Emily Green, Dawn Tan, Lynnelle Moran of Crumb..., Madeline Stamer and Shara Lambeth.

I won't have many dresses to sell due to custom work taking up my time, but I will be selling some dresses, tops, shirts, skirts, cushions and accessories.

If you have any dressmaking enquiries or if you want me to take your measurements so you know what size you are when shopping at my online store, I will be available on all three days for chats and consultations.

Sadly, Pilgrim Lee who created our adorable poster artwork will not be in attendance due to poor health.

Did you see Pulp on Friday night? I did'nt and I am ok about it...sort of

So; I had to choose between buying a Pulp ticket for their show at Festival Hall in Melbourne or a Soundwave Revolution ticket. After much discussion, I convinced myself that SW Revolution would "be better value for money". I made a mistake. I made a mistake because I am not going to SW Revolution afterall and Pulp tickets were a total sellout...that and I was unwell on Friday night and most likely would not have been able to go anyway. *sigh*

Now, I know missing out on a concert is not worthy of being sad about considering all of the horrific things people endure on a daily basis but there is a tiny part of my brain that can't help feeling sad.

Pulp were there for my friends and I in the 90s. We danced to them at Steve Wide's nights at Dream Nightclub and Pulp were there on lazy Sundays while we 'recovered' from our big weekends. Some of us loved Jarvis and some of us loved him and kept it a secret. We danced to Pulp at our mini discos in my lounge room and sung along to their songs in our car.

It's not often I feel post "I did'nt see..." sadness, but I do in relation to Pulp today, hence my blog post.

Anyway, if you were lucky enough to see them on this tour I would love to hear your feedback. :)

Guest post by Helen McLean - The best classic pin up photography just got better!

I think it’s of utmost importance to regularly fine-tune my photography business to keep making it better and to find ways to offer more to my clients. And I do believe, I have just created the ultimate in both experience and package inclusions.
Firstly, I have taken away the confusion of ordering prints after your session. Previously, you had the choice of printing any of your edited images in whatever size you wanted. Sounded perfect.

However, after almost a year of working with this offer, I came to realise that this post-shoot decision was a confusing one for most and sometimes the decision was left for months. This was a case of ‘too many options offered’.
Therefore, after trialing with much success – I am now offering a more custom service by presenting you your images on screen after your session, and helping you choose which images are to be edited and printed – all as part of the package, no more to pay afterward.

That way, 3 weeks after your shoot, you will have your prints at home ready to display. With no extra effort, you will be able to adorn your walls, add sneak peek sized prints in your wallet/purse and place prints on your dresser table!
Secondly, I would like to introduce to you with much excitement, the studio’s newest member to the classic pin up package. She is a professional hairstylist and makeup artist, who specialises in vintage looks. The woman who walks the talk, Ms Candice DeVille (aka Super Kawaii Mama).

Candice DeVille is available, not only as part of the Helen McLean photography experience in the studio – she also provides her makeup and hairstyling services for private bookings such as weddings, parties and hen’s nights. And with Candice’s wealth of fashion knowledge she also provides styling services.


Helen McLean and Candice DeVille.

Finally, as a bonus – I have been in discussions with the authentic vintage clothing collector, Bonnie Rose Vintage. On occassion, we will have available the use of Bonnie Rose’s collection to wear during your shoot – this is an amazing opportunity not to be missed! This offer will be available only a few times throughout the year. Subscribe to the newsletter to be notified of the dates.

The standard studio wardobe (available to all bookings), has been photographed and available as a PDF file for you to peruse prior to your booking. This file is supplied to all booking enquiries.

What can you expect with Helen McLean’s classic pin up package?

Option of using the studio wardrobe (PDF of garment option available by email)

Nibbles and beverages provided throughout your session

Professional hairstyling and makeup by Candice DeVille (aka Super Kawaii Mama)

Easy & relaxed photo shoot with 100% posing direction by Helen McLean

Viewing of your shoot on screen to choose your favourite images for high quality ‘vintage-look’ editing

Your chosen images printed and posted to you

With Helen McLean and Candice DeVille working as a team, you are sure to get the best service and end product available.
We are currently taking Bookings for August, September and October currently. Please view the Pin Up Packages page and Contact Helen McLean for bookings.


Model: FoxTrot India, Stylist: Candice DeVille, Fashion: Bonnie Rose Vintage

View more of Helen McLean’s portfolio:
Website gallery
Facebook gallery

Plus size 'Smitten' skirts ready to ship

Are you looking for a true pencil skirt in an easy to care for fabric, suits a lady with a small waist and curvy hips and is ready to ship?



The 'Smitten' skirt listing in my online store now comes with waist and hip measurements - for the finished garment.

This skirt was featured in The Age M magazine a few months ago and can be made in size 8 up to size 20. The outer fabric is black and features red lining.

I can also make this skirt in any fabric that is suitable upon request.



Also note, all garments purchased from my online store are subject to a full refund if the item is not the right fit and a money back guarantee.