༺ Currently: Full Steam ༻

‘Currently’ posts are a series of memoirs, featuring snapshots of events that are occurring in my day-to-day journey. These episodes feature photos from my Instagram, do come and say “Hi!” if you are around. ♡

READING:

I don’t really have time to read… But I always come back to Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere sagas for an absorbing universe of fantastical adventures. 

WONDERING:

I have managed to have a spare moment or two for wondering if we will make it through the process of purchasing a house in a relatively smooth way or not at all!

It’s been a journey, as it is with most any decision of that magnitude, and I’m looking forwards to it being over so we can truly start to settle in. There have been more than a few houses that we’ve looked at, and the puzzle of figuring out what we really want and what we can live without is always a bit… fun. Plus, living in a house sit with a family of five is an adventure all of it’s own, and not one I’d particularly recommend. There’s just no room! *ahem*

… Translation - we have a lot of stuff.

FEELING THANKFUL:

That we might have found ourselves a house to live!

EATING:

Coffee, coffee, and more coffeeeeeeeee…

WATCHING:

Big Bang Theory. I’m a decade behind the trend, but eh.

WORKING ON:

Finding a house, buying a house, rehoming my horse, setting up Teacup Girl for Australian production, our first release back here in Australia ~ Autumn Days, our next release slated for October ~ Galaxy Dreams, Christmas, kombucha, and all of everything else that needs to happen... It’s going to be an insanely busy end of year for us. 

LOVING:

Friends. Coffee. Organizational systems. The wisteria over the deck. Sunshine and walks to the local shops. Gum trees and the refreshing scent of eucalyptus after the rain, as there is nothing else quite like it… Spring. Doing my nails ~ for some reason that has been super satisfying currently. Baths. My most favourite thing of all ~ working on samples and seeing new designs come to life! Um, did I mention coffee? Yah…

ATTEMPTING:

To get through the end of this year without physically and mentally wrecking myself. I’m not gonna lie, moving back has been exhausting, and I think it’s taking me a while to recover. Plus, I keep getting colds and flue bugs, as well as with all the work I’m trying to stay on top of ~ my body is super sore and tight at the moment. It’s been a whole thing.

WANTING:

To finish buying the house, find a new home for Copper, to ride my horse again as it’s been almost two years now since I’ve last ridden and I’m not  okay with that… It’s been the longest I’ve ever gone without riding since I was twelve! I’d also really like things to go smoothly over the next two months, but I might just be dreaming. I guess we will see…

DOING:

All the work. Everything for Teacup Girl is just go-go-go at the moment. Trying to push the business back up and running after being on hiatus since March is proving to be tough. But I sort of expected that, so I’ve just gotta keep moving on ~ full steam ahead.

xox,

bonita

༺ ♡ ༻
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༺ ♡ ༻
My Business:

Teacup Girl
Instagram | @teacup.girl
Facebook | Teacup Girl Official FB Group
YouTube | Teacup Girl

༺ Is That Dior? ༻

Of course, when one galivants off to view daring ensembles and darling frocks, one also has to pull out a fabulous ensemble to suit the occasion…

For my visit to The Dressmaker costume exhibition I tried tor a Dior New Look inspired outfit ~ I feel like it really is the silhouette and style to go for if you ever want to look instantly glamourous and Parisian chic ~ as you see in the movie with all those jaw-dropping ensembles.

I think it worked out to some degree. I do wish I had a cream or white Lilli Ann or Suzy Perette suit jacket to really finalize the silhouette properly. However, the biggest niggle for me was that I must of packed my glove collection away in storage because I cannot find hide nor hair of them, and that meant I had to wear navy gloves with my black accessories and it was the worst. The WORST I tell you!

Except for the fact that my pin curls wouldn’t brush out properly ~ and I was stuck in the 80’s…

So Fluff. Much Pooff.

And that was the WORST ~ the absolute WORST I tell you!

#vintagegirlproblems anyone?

Haha!

I think the best thing about this outfit is that some of the pieces I’ve had since my very first thrift shop for vintage style pieces, and some of them literally arrived in the mail that week…

Believe it or not, the Mary Jane heels predate my vintage style. I’ve had them since 2007 when I first started a full time job. They caught my eye when I was looking for work shoes and I’m glad they did as they are my favourite pair of black shoes with the dainty heel and strap.

My black top I’ve had since 2010 ~ I think? I’m pretty sure I found it the very first time I ever went “shopping” for vintage at the op shops, and it’s stayed with me ever since. Even though I don’t wear black all that often, it’s such a classic, timeless piece that it’s survived many culls that most of my older wardrobe hasn’t. Miraculously it even fits through all the weight gain with my thyroid disease!

The next oldest piece is my faux fur jacket which I bought in 2012 at the Frock It Up Vintage fair and it’s been a heavy staple in my wardrobe every winter. You can dress it up, dress it down ~ I often throw it on with jeans and a plain top, and it’s just been such a fabulous buy.

The handbag was gifted to me from a friend who thought of me when his mother was passing on some handbags. It’s an 80’s piece, but I loved the classic vibe it has and thought it fit so well with this look.

The velvet platter chapeau from 2015 is somewhat faded and misshapen as it’s that dusty brown rather than a true black at some angles, but I really love it because I feel like this hat was worn and loved during it’s lifetime. I’m just continuing the trend of doting on it as it’s a charming, not-too-out-there-but-still-a-statement-piece style. I actually have no clue what era it’s from, but my best guess would be the 1940’s.

I’m wearing my one and only piece of Miriam Haskell jewellery ~ and if you get into vintage jewellery collection, that’s name you will see a lot. She was a very prolific designer, and her pieces are much sort after for statement jewellery. This feather brooch is one of her more demure designs, but it suits my style so well, I’m glad it joined my collection in 2018.

The pleated skirt ~ well, you might have guessed by the long run down that it’s the piece that arrived that week in the mail! An incredibly lucky eBay find that was way prettier in person than I was expecting, this one made me gasp when I opened the parcel.

It’s so long and full, and swishes so beautifully. I was absolutely chuffed to find out that I could fit my biggest, flouffiest cupcake petticoat under there ~ my Doris petticoat in peach. I haven’t worn such a copious amount of pouf in way too long, and let me tell you ~ I was grinning from ear to ear as I spun around in the kitchen showing my mister how epic the fluff was!

Almost a full decade {!!} of collecting vintage and this is the perfect outfit to really showcase the beauty of classic, timeless fashion. All the pieces fit together no matter how far apart I’ve collected them, and in a way, it’s completely ageless. It’s so cool, and a wee bit surreal to think that I’ve been wearing vintage for almost ten years, but at the same time, I’m so happy.

This is so me, even after all this time.

xox,

bonita

༺ ♡ ༻

Vintage Velvet Double Rose Platter Hat | Can’t remember where I purchased it!
1950s Faux Fur Swing Jacket | Frock It Up Vintage Fair
Black Embroidered Top | Thrifted
1940’s Navy Gloves | eBay
Miriam Haskell Pearl Embellished Brass Feather Brooch | Instagram
80’s Bottle Purse | Gift
Vintage Pleated Skirt | eBay
Fish Net Stockings | Kmart
Crinoline | Doris Designs Adult 26" Petticoat in Peach
Suede Mary Jane Heels | Payless (Old)

༺ ♡ ༻
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༺ The Dressmaker ༻

~ True vintage 1950’s silk cocktail frock ~ she is divine and my most favourite thing ever ~

~ Vintage girl camouflage on point… Am I as fabulously dressed as these mannequins yet? ~

My best friend-really-actually-sister told me that she wanted to take me to the National Sound and Film Archive to see a costume exhibition that was for The Dressmaker. Although I’ve heard of the movie and read costuming blog posts about it ~ I have never actually seen the film {but I do plan to see it soon}.

It didn’t take much convincing for me to go {like, none at all} because I’d seen the movie stills and knew the clothing was abso-flippin’-lutely fantastic. And I was right. It really was an enjoyable display, there was quite a bit to see, as well as a short film on the behind the scenes process of costuming the movie which I found fascinating. I adore looking at the fabrics, and seeing the all the amazing details close up.

There were some simply divine true vintage pieces that were also used amongst the lovely reproduction vintage. I fell hard for a 1950’s silk cocktail frock in fire red with the most fabulous hip swag in the shape of a bow!

I’m sure I was drooling as I stood there admiring it and taking a billion pictures of its structure. I really want to try and reproduce that frock when I have the skills one day because it was utter perfection…

My second favourite outfit was the ballgown embellished with Swarovski crystals and the most delicate beading. My friend pointed out where one of the embellished strands had fallen off, and it’s really great to see the wear on even these stunning pieces. It makes them feel more comfortable and like actual clothing.

Though the French pleated silk chiffon cape looked like something out of the fairy kingdom ~ honestly, it is so inspiring to see how it sits and flows. It really feels like you were looking at true haute couture as the garments are impeccably crafted. Even the distressed pieces looked perfectly, truly destroyed and lived in for twenty five plus years.

My only complaint is that I couldn’t poke inside the garments and really see how they were constructed… But of course, I know why not… Just, wouldn’t it be amazing if you could!

And although my hair was stuck 1980 and not 1950 ~ much to my dismay ~ I still couldn’t resist the chance to take some photos with the stunning art deco architecture of the National Sound and Film Archive. So if you needed more close up photos of my Dior New Look inspired ensemble, that’s coming soon.

xox,

bonita

༺ ♡ ༻
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༺ Dustin’ off the Ol’ YouTube ༻

Ack! Finally I have filmed something new for the YouTube channel…

There hasn’t been anything new for … Um, years? But I’ve been filming more for the Teacup Girl YouTube channel ~ which you should totally check out if you want to know more about brooches, or brooch making and all the creative art-y stuff I get up to over there.

Anyway, the long and the short of it is that I’ve been having a lot of fun making those videos and it’s inspired me to comeback to YouTube for Lavender & Twill.

So our comeback is a thrift haul ~ and you’ll just have to watch to see the treasures I found!

xox,

bonita

༺ ♡ ༻
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༺ In the Courtyard ༻

One of the prettiest places that I really enjoyed visiting in Chiang Mai was Nimman One. A group of buildings in Nimman {the district} just outside of the Old City that are arranged around the loveliest courtyard.

I fell in love with this place the moment I laid eyes on it, and instantly knew it had to be featured on the blog!

Of course, it’s difficult to fully portray the beauty of the architecture and surroundings ~ there are lovely tall green trees in the courtyard, and outside of the building ~ and it’s a very popular place. Lots of people walking through to visit the tiny shops tucked away in the walls, my favourite of these being the Monsoon Tea Shop which stock local teas made up into a huge range of delicious blends and flavours.

While we were there, another group was also taking photos ~ but they had set up a mannequin and were taking stock photos. Which was certainly easier than trying to figure out the timing for taking some of the pictures we did!

At night time the whole area is just as gorgeous, as the lanterns light up the clock tower, and the fairy lights that are strung all over the courtyard in the shape of a marque make the cobblestones glow.

Story time though, ‘coz the unexpected can still happen in the prettiest of surrounds!

…So to start at the beginning: I’m wearing a stunning true vintage dress in these pictures, and I just love it. It’s homemade I think ~ no label, and the waist is sewn shut with no opening or fastening so it’s a bit impossible to put on. It’s one of those “wiggle gingerly and smoosh through one boob at a time” kind of dresses ~ and if you’ve ever had one of those you’ll know exactly what I mean!

And all is going fine and dandy with the shoot, I’m so happy with how the whole ensemble looks in this location ~ but of course, it’s tropical heat so I’m “glowing” in no time at all.

And unbeknownst to me, this had caused my dress to stick horribly!

Most of the way through the shoot, and I do is put down my handbag… Then I hear that dreaded ripping sound that is every vintage wearer’s nightmare. Uh-oh…!

Of course, I can’t actually see where the rip is located at first, but that won’t be a problem for long because the more I’m moving around, the more ripping I hear ~ *le GASP*

Obviously, I’m doing my best to minimise my motion, I’m keeping my arms glued down, so I really didn’t think it was that bad until I tried to adjust my hair, and not one, but BOTH armpits had blown out significantly ~ yes, you could totally see almost all of the side of my long line bra through the holes! *cringe*

So now I’m tucking in fluttering shreds of fabric, smiling for photos and trying to make sure no one sees my bra, because OF COURSE everyone’s looking at the strange lady dancing around in the middle of the courtyard.

Thankfully, we finished the photoshoot and walked back to the closest shopping mall, which is Maya. On the way I noticed that there was a tiny clothing stall selling dresses and I stopped immediately to pick up an emergency dress.

It was only when I got changed in the bathroom at Maya that the full extent of the damage was revealed ~ unfortunately it was the worst I’ve ever seen happen in a vintage dress. On one side it was the fabric right next to the underarm seam that had popped, which is perfectly fixable, but on the other side, underneath the sleeve had shredded, and this giant tear went straight across to the apex of the bust, and down the side of the bodice. Somehow that tear had decimated the sleeve completely. 

So there went my hope of an easy fix, but there’s enough fabric left in the sleeves to mend the bodice, so thankfully I can repurpose the sleeves for that. Then I’m going to purchase some black velvet and make replacement cap sleeves for the dress. And I’m also going to fix the waist and create some sort of waist opening because it’s just a pain to put on. But now I know why such a stunning dress was priced so cheaply… Haha!

So all’s well that probably ends well, and I’ll almost have a different dress to wear out of the whole ordeal.

But gosh! I've never had a vintage dress {or any other kind of vintage} disintegrate so completely while I’m wearing it, and I really hope it never happens again. I should say that it doesn’t deter me from wearing vintage in any way whatsoever, because even while my dress was literally falling apart on my back, I still felt so elegant in this frock. I loved the way it moved, and the pleated skirt was so swishy. Plus, that little black velvet touch at the lapel really adds that extra detail that I do so adore. So while I might have had the worst experience vintage has to offer with this dress, I also had the best experience at the same time ~ and I love it!

Of course, now I want to hear what’s your worst {or best} experience with wearing vintage. Do you have any fun stories? Let us know if you do, I’m keen to hear them!

xox,
bonita

༺ ♡ ༻

Signature Double Rose in “Blue”  | Daisy Jean Floral Designs
Vintage Milk Glass Rosette Brooch | eBay
1950’s Chariot Dress | FB Group
Black Skinny Belt | Came with another dress
Traditional Thai Embroidered Purse | Wararot Street Market
Satin 50s Court Heels | Friendly Panda

༺ ♡ ༻
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