A vintage cocktail party and a new purchase

The Sydney Antique Centre's vintage clothing concession threw a lovely little Valentines Day soiree for their loyal customers today. Apparently staff were up until 2am creating the luscious treats on offer, including shortbread with berries and cream and delicious chocolate brownies.

The vintage clothing section at the Centre was launched only a few months ago and provides retro living guys and gals with a whole little "street" of vintage wares from a number of collectors. I've been very restrained this summer and have bought little new (old) clothes or new (new) clothes, come to think of it. But bolstered by yummy treats and egged on by fellow frock lovers, I tried on a few pieces and eventually bought this 1960s shift. It features a very pale pastel print, a low V-neck back and pretty bow features on the sleeves. It is also in great nick and comes with its original belt. I think it's the perfect little frock for the office.

Concession holder Lou Murray Vintage offers wonderful cocktail and evening frocks, including the ones shown here, + a great selection of coats for the coming winter. The lovely Amanda from Coco Repose tried on a to die for 60s swing coat that would be perfect for jumping in and out a convertible.

Grant from Libertine Jewels has an impressive selection of sparkly bits and one-of-a-kind bags,

including a highly collectible Enid Collins wooden box purse.

And the Coco Repose girls keep a concession in the Centre that is delightfully colour coordinated and packed with feminine and frilly goodies. They have a fantastic 1950s Mexican circle skirt on their rack at the moment, but alas it didn't quite fit and my pile of "to be altered" items almost needs its own wardrobe.

If you are feeling low between Vintage Fair fixes, the Sydney Antiques Centre offers a mini version that can easily tide you over. Perhaps just leave the credit card at home.

But what about my hair?

One of the most fabulous things about blogging is being able to elicit feedback from like minded people across the globe. Thanks so much to all who have commented and offered advice on yesterdays make-up trial. With only eight weeks to go until the wedding day and two weeks of holiday time left before I start my brand new job, I'm seriously in planning mode.
So while I'm sorted for drinks and photos and food, I still have absolutely no idea what to do with my hair. This weekend I'm toying with some kind of side sweep and perhaps a classic mother-of-pearl clip as per the above. My dress is cream and blue and I'm rather befuddled. Any thoughts?

Wet weather purse

Last weekend I was sitting on the bus travelling down Parramatta Road - on my way back from the vintage fair in Leichhardt - when I spotted this shop with the most gorgeous looking vintage dresses and hats in the window that I had to jump off the bus and check it out.

The store was Sandie Bizys Studio and specialises largely in unique vintage inspired hats - Sandie is a qualified milliner - but she also stock a select, pretty and high quality selection of vintage clothing (including wedding dresses), accessories and jewellery + reproduction dresses. If you are ever in the Inner West her shop is well worth checking out.

After a chat with the lovely sales assistants I am planning on making an appointment to see Sandie about creating a hat for my wedding. You can check out some of her work on her website.

Cheekily I also picked up this super cute bag while I was there. Apart from a few scuffs on the white leather shoulder strap, this bag is in good condition and is so different to anything else I've seen of late. I love the wood handle and you can't really tell in the photo, but the bag is actually made of quilted floral fabric, embroidered with gold, and then covered with clear plastic. It is perfect for the wet weather (will the rain never end?) and it is just big enough to fit a Penguin Classic. What more can I ask for?