Yes that hurt....

Yes that hurt....

Plus size for the win!

Forget Ebay...Etsy is where its at!

Annoyed with being outbid? Well move over Ebay....let me introduce you to Etsy!

This site is amazing! It not only sells handmade delicious items but also brand new items. From wedding dresses to customised gear stick knobs the site is chock blocked with exciting items.

Here are some of my favourites after a quick trawl for kitchen wear.

Pinup apron... *swoon*

made by the lovely Loveland and Sea. I adore this apron! I love the cowgirl. damn christmas just passed...I want!

Leopard mittens? gggrrrr!!!

Made by Stitchingram. What pinup cant resist some leopard print?!

I adore recipe cards and these are perfect for my kitchen so yes I will be buying! Available from Through The Looking Glass

These utensils are adorable! Not sure i would want to use them in case they got dirty....for show only. Available from Tokyo Rose Accessories.

WOW!

So when you great aunt Mable comes to visit bring out the cakes on this stunning and unique stand. I love it! I really do! Available from My Eroom.

happy hunting! Just be sure to check that the items can be delivered to you. And the best thing is that Etsy convert the money to your local currency too! AWESOME!

Sales

To all you sale shoppers...may the force and the money be with you. I went out today and felt like I had stepped into battle with half the UK.

Enjoy...I will do it all online. Sorry high street.

Love

KK

Sweet new film role for top burlesque dancer Khandie - Local News - Bucks Herald

Sweet new film role for top burlesque dancer Khandie - Local News - Bucks Herald

Festive Footwear

Fed up with trudging through the wet and cold in footwear that is only practical and not pretty? Well I have been scouring. Here are some of my favourites:

These I spotted on the Office website...Red for Christmas and the bow for a feminine touch. Practical wellies but  definitely not dull!

Ok so they have a heel but it is only small AND they are leather! I actually own these...I love them oodles. Sexy almost Victorian feel to them. Team with a skirt or dress...or for those who dare tights and high waisted shorts...bbbrrr but sexy look. These are from Office too...

I love the colour of these ankle boots and the colour! With the brogue detail these chelsea boots are on my want list of Santa! I found these on the Dune site...snap them up and they come in two other colours: black and tan.

Ok ok I know these arent practical but who can resist sparkles at Christmas time? yes I know you need to take care with these heels too but lets just say if you fall over...at least your feet will be pretty! Again another Dune find!

These are fun...the psychobilly appeal is here for me. This is take on the staple 'creeper' shoes. I found these in Debenhams...

I adore these creepers! Pointy toes and purple! Ding dong...I will buy these! I found them at Underground! Fab collection of creepers! 

Christmas - Afternoon Listening

OK hands up, who is done in by all the Buble that is being played EVERYWHERE at this time of year...? I am. I love a good old warbler but I am determined to find some other festive listenings so here they are:

Afternoon Listening

Some new tunes...

Dita's New Lingerie

So our wonderfully delightful Dita Von Teese brings out another lingerie collection. This new collection called Von Follies, is vintage-inspired and includes bras, high-waisted pants, garter belts and corselettes to "give the essence of the sultry Fifties glamour girl," according to the press release. (see here )


I am the first to admit this line doesnt do it for me. Unlike her previous collection which oozed sex appeal with its reds and strong lines this is something I would find on the hangers at high street brand La Senza.  I long for Dita to do something in pale silks, with chemises and playsuits... reminiscent of the old Hollywood glam she exudes.


Sorry to say this collection misses the mark for me though the sizing is an improvement as it is now available in a size 18 but only up to E bra cup. Come on Dita...know the competition. La Senza though not always the best quality is cheaper and in this day and economic climate who isnt going to head there instead?1 I would love to buy Dita's set if not simply because I am a fan and expect superior quality but sadly I wont be buying it to wear...I am a 36F.

Vintage DJs

A small sample of my own collection

With a love for vinyl and djing with it. I decided to see who else is doing is...Sadly my first search threw up those in America and whilst this is great I wanted to focus my search on UK based DJs.
I did find a list of vintage DJs but found the lack of information rather disheartening. Email address are great but lets see websites..so off I hunted. For me a vintage dj isnt someone who shoves on a few cds, its about the whole package from dressing the part, knowing the history of the music and the use of vinyl (though not admittedly entirely is not essential as that is not very practical)

Firstly let me introduce you to the ones that stood out for me...

Shellac Sisters


These darlings describe themselves as:
'The Shellac Sisters are four glamorous retrochics who dress in all things vintage and play 78rpm records on 1920s wind-up gramophones.

We have a vast collection of 78s covering all styles of music from the twenties through to the fifties… Big band swing by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and The Andrews Sisters, classics like Tea for Two and The Lambeth Walk, novelties by Noel Coward and cheeky music hall acts, 1920s flapper favourites, Hollywood movie classics from Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Marlene Dietrich, jumping jive by Cab Calloway and Louis Jordan, 1950s rock'n'roll from Elvis and bombshell hits from Marilyn Monroe, latin exotics by Carmen Miranda and Perez Prado… tea dancing foxtrots, quicksteps, blackbottoms and cockney knees ups!'

I love that they use wind up gramaphones but can also adapt them for  larger space with amps. Perfect plus these beauties dress the part. Their list of clients is very impressive too: Victoria and Albert Museum, London's National Theatre and Abbey Road Studios to name but a few.

Miss Aloha

A dj since 1988, Miss Aloha is vibrant darling of spinning decks playing music from the 1930s to the 1950s. Playing at venues such as Cafe De Paris, Gloria Theatre (Cologne) and Soho Revue Bar.  I adore her sense of style so you know she will not only add music to your show/event but also her style.

Earl Harlem

Now here is a dapper DJ if ever there was one... Promising to arrive in vintage attire he will set up his art deco inspired custom booth

'playing a large selection of hot vintage dance music ranging from 20s Jazz through to 60s soul, including 30s Dance Band, 40s Swing, 40s& 50s R&B, Rock n Roll, Rockabilly and Ska, Earl Harlem will have the joint jumpin! '

Whats more he can even provide dance lessons for you. Perfect!

Dj Lady Kamikaze

I have actually heard this stunner DJ and was impressed immensely. Resident DJ for the Lady Luck and Black Cotton clubs she is a highly sought after DJ. Her website alone is a delight. Beautiful choice of soundtrack as well. Her DJ equipment is a testament to her trade with the use of a bakerlite phone instead of headphones.

Afternoon Listening

A bit late but nevermind.

Here is a sample of what I have been listening to the past few hours..

Wedding Hell

A lovely and good friend of mine is getting married! WHOOPAH! So excited. Sadly her joy has been short lived  as she has found it near impossible to find a dress she likes. Being a plus size 1950s/rockabilly fanatic means she wants a dress to reflect this. With a tight budget she doesnt want to go down the route of a custom made dress if she can get away with it...seems like I am off to the rescue...

Here is what I found:

I have fallen head over heels for the dresses at Elizabeth Avery. Sadly not many items over a size 14. My favourite of her dresses are these two...

A quick glance on Etsy saw a few items. This one from Ellana Couture is pretty but again only up to a size 14.

Another look on the internet threw up a few other style dresses and in a variety of sizes and all over size 14!

This one is available here!

I realise all the dress above are of the tea length style so I have also been researching longer dresses.

Very old school Hollywood. Not entirely sure on the giant bow but it is beautiful... It can be found here

needless to say you have to look further afield to find plus size vintage inspired dresses...but thats not to say they arent there.

Just a Jump To The Left

Owing to a rather busy last few months or so, save for a few moments on the internet I have had no time to shop. So when my lovely boyfriend decided he was fed up with my sulky face...or uninspired wardrobe he took me out for some retail therapy.

Excited I headed out...I did feel at the end of the day that I would have much rather not gone. Whilst it was a fabulous time spent with the boyfriend, the shops were uninspired and I was miles away from the nearest vintage shop. I did however purchase a beautiful 70s inspired jumpsuit. Not at all my usual style but the boyfriend was right: it looked pretty lovely on. He even selected a star belt and before I knew it we were sipping coffees (soy latte for me and a mocha for him) laughing at all the dodgy hair extensions and soggy Ugg boots scooting past us.

Rocking an attempt at a beehive and my beloved Rockalily lipstick I attempt here not to look like a muppet.

DIY Tutorial: Multi-Layered Tulle Petticoat (Make Your Own Rainbow Petticoat!)

DIY Tutorial: Multi-Layered Tulle Petticoat (Make Your Own Rainbow Petticoat!)

Click the link above as its a great article on how to make your own petticoat!

FashionFinder

Ok I am officially obsessed with this new discovery I made on the famous ASOS website. Its called Fashionfinder and you simply upload images of your own outfits and/or create your own using the ASOS stock. Its pretty addictive and there is even a community. A sort of fashion Facebook but without the awful 'pokes' and exes stalking you. Over time with each activity you do you earn credits and work your way up the fashion stylist ladder..its addictive...really addictive.

I rather like how creative you can be with the fashion though my outfit creations seem heavily influenced by Vivienne Westwood and 50s starlets...AAAHHH! My only criticisms would be the lack of 'plus size fashion' garments you can find in their stock and the search criteria isn't always very good e.g. searching black clutch bag doesn't always bring up all the black clutch bags.

Anyway enjoy! Befriend me!!

King Mob Beat

So sometimes I get emails from musicians who want me to have a gander at their music. Whilst a lot lose my interest within the first 20 seconds I had to share this video. The band creditals alone are amazing. Whilst the video is somewhat uninspiring bar the delightful burlesque talents of Chrys Columbine (Love her!) the music speaks louder than any video could. Perhaps my brain has been numbed by all the over the top produced music videos from the likes of Lady GaGa or Rhianna...


Anyway I give you KING MOB BEAT!

The press pack info is below. I think I will have to go see these guys live to really appreciate them. Needless to say I downloaded their single and not because it was free...I would happily pay for this.

"New London supergroup King Mob release debut album ‘Force 9’ on
31st October and announce special London show.
KING MOB is a brand new English beat combo comprising guitar legend Chris
Spedding (Roxy Music, Elton John, John Cale, Paul McCartney), Glen Matlock -
bass (Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, Faces), Martin Chambers – drums
(Pretenders), Stephen W Parsons aka Snips – vocals (film composer and
vocalist of legendary 70’s band Sharks) and introducing hot new guitar
talent Sixteen.
 
The Mob, who are heavily influenced by two great composer band leaders, Duke
Ellington and Jimmy Page, will release their debut album FORCE 9 through
SPV/Steamhammer on 31 October 2011 on 11 track CD and 180g Vinyl LP with
gatefold sleeve, 7 tracks.
 
The album shows a band at the height of their powers. From the sharp riffing of
the first single “Selene Selene” to the truly infectious “VA VAH
VOOM”, from the gentle groove of “Chapel Of Love” to the blast of album
opener “Lover Of High Renown”, this is an album that draws on the
collective experience of all members to create something completely unique. The
band draw on the Spirit of ’69 – but not in a retrospective way – they are
bringing the raw power and spirit of that golden age of music into a
contemporary setting - from the songwriting, to the playing, to the sound of the
records, to the live show, to the spirit of the act. The album was recorded in
four days…
 
The group has signed an exclusive recording deal with SPV/Steamhammer for the
World excluding North America and have released their first single ‘Selene
Selene’, which is available to download now for free at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005SGIY86
 
The band are to play an exclusive one-off headline show at London’s 229 The
Venue, Great Portland Street on 17th November with special guests The
Bermondsey Joyriders.  For tickets head to: www.229thevenue.co.uk
 
“Force 9” will be released through Steamhammer / SPV on the 31st October
2011.
 
For further information, videos and track samples head to the official website
and Facebook page:
www.kingmob-beatgroup.com and www.facebook.com/KingMobBeatGroup"

Afternoon Listening

I seem to have somewhat failed with this whole 'Afternoon Listening' Session thing so here is another one for you. Lets hope there are more to come.

The Hunt Is On...

THe hunt is on and the prey has been spotted...ok thats rubbish! I am on a mission to find a killer outfit to wear to the Curves of Couture fashion show I have been invited to. This is a huge event with the UK's first plus size only catwalk show organised in conjunction with the British Sciene Council and Models of Diversity. Being a plus side woman I wanted to be a part of it and hey presto was invited as a guest (VIP!). But dilemma...CAN I FIND A DRESS? nope! I want a vintage number that doesnt make me look like a frumpy dumpy. God I'd even wear a new dress as long as it was my style and size...

The hunt continues. suggestions greatly welcome as are donations.

My New Playsuit

I recently took delivery of a new playsuit from my new favourite designer PPQ...

Its a very vintage-esque black velvet playsuit. Plus it doesnt do that whole 'cut me off in the lady parts area' that so many playsuits can and do... vulgar I know but you get what I mean.

I wore it recently to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday...

Lucille Von Frock - Personal Stylist With Panache!: Hello, Marc Jacobs?

rather love this outfit choice I will admit. Lucille Von Frock - Personal Stylist With Panache!: Hello, Marc Jacobs?: It's that time again and so glad you could join me for another dose of my blog! So, how was your week? Did you enjoy the last gasps of sum...

New camera...

new camera!!!

Afternoon Listening

So sorry this is a wee bit late...

I have been a busy burlesque diva of late. Some pretty ditties for you:

My Wardrobe...

Ok so some new websites for your avid vintage shoppers.

First up is the wonderful British website 'Big Beautiful Barbara Brown'. I own one of her dresses in fact...its the Niagra Marilyn Monroe style dress. Arrived in two weeks custom sized so I was one VERY happy rabbit. Impressive to say the least. Her Marilyn Monroe inspired dresses can be found here.
I have also noticed she has a maternity 40s style wrap dress for all you expectant vintage mommas...can be found on this page...

Anyway I can recommend this lady. The only thing I wish there was available is fabric swatches online so I have a clearer image of what the overall 'look' will be.

Another site is 'Oh My Honey'. Admittedly I have not ordered anything from this site but lets just say when a certain invoice is paid to me I will be rectifying that. I particularly love her couture dresses modelled beautifully by the burlesque poppet Millie Dollar...I am also in love with the ivory tulle heart dress. I know a lot of people love this lady...I have seen many a burlesque performer advertise her site...

My last offering is '21st Century Foxy'. With the likes of burlesque starlets such as Anna Fur Laxis and Slinky Sparkles it certainly looks wonderful. I love the mix of handmade British designs and the imported Stop Staring brand that is famous amongst pinups both here and abroad. A particular favourite of mine is is the Hawaiian wrap style dress found here. I am tempted to buy as I need some sunshine as this dreadful British summer was so short lived
xxx

Afternoon Listening

This afternoon listening session for today. Be warned...

Wish I had a better copy of this Janis Joplin cover by the Jessie & The Orbits. Fr better versions of their songs are available on their myspace 

Afternoon Listening

Another musically post from me...today's soundtrack is:

The Peacocks - Gimme More


Reckless Ones - Dead & Gone

Love the video


Tom Stormy Trio feat. Rhythm Sophie - Finders Keepers


Breathless - Bad Bad Boy


Hellsonics -Chasin' Demons


The Meteors - The Devil Went Down To Moose's

Fleetville Vintage Emporium and Scally Dog

A recent visit to see a fabulous friend in St Albans (Yes that would be you Sara) ended up with us pootering about in Fleetville Vintage Emporium. Located in an area I wouldnt expect to find such a treasure trove considering the huge supermarket, terrance housing and hardware stores next to it. This emporium is huge! Plus There is another called Scally Dog behind it. Equally as packed to the rafters with everthing from fireplaces to werewolf heads (hee hee).

Whilst not entirely dedicated to one era there is a lot of late 50s, 60s and 70s items. Everything from household goods to stockings is here and so well priced. I fell in love with far too many items that I think my boyfriend was about to drag me out before I bankrupted myself. Damn it.

Whats also wonderful about this place is the cafe...tea and biscuits anyone? Surrounded by kitsch items it felt very homely.

Go see it! Go shopping crazy.


Address:     221A Hatfield Rd
                  St. Albans
                  Hertfordshire
                  AL1 4TB

Cafe...kitsch lust.

Scally Dog find.

hee hee found at Scallydogs

Vintage Diary for London and Greater London

3rd Sep - The Vintage Tea Party at The Boogaloo, North London, N6 5AT. 12 - 5pm. Free Entry. (arts, crafts, jewellery, homeware, clothing, accessories etc)

4th Sep - Penny's Vintage Fair, Potters Bar, EN6 2HN 10am - 4pm. (Fashion, furnishings, homeware, jewellery etc)


4th Sep - The Barkway Antiques and Vintage Fair - Barkway Village Hall, Near Royston, SG8 8BS 10am - 4pm.

24th Sep - The Joy Of Vintage - Beecham Grove Baptist Church, Watford, WD17 1JJ. £2 entry 11am - 5pm. (Fashion, furnishings, homeware, jewellery etc)

30th Sep - Vintazia Vintage Fair - Great Barn, Manor Farm Site, Ruislip, HA4 7QL. £2 entry. 5-9pm (Fashion, furnishings, homeware, jewellery etc)

50s Wedding Inspiration

Well I am not getting married but that still doesnt stop me looking at sites for inspiration mainly for costumes.

I came across Fifties Wedding website whilst searching for tiaras for a new act. A quick mooch about on the site was well worth it. They take each part of the wedding, break it down and blog endless articles to help you find just the perfect piece.

I actually ordered a new pair of glasses after reading this post of theres: http://fiftieswedding.com/1950s-eyewear-spectacular-spectacles/


Enjoy!

This Afternoon's Listening Session

Another mixed bag from my music collection...















Enjoy

Plus Size

Hey dont get a bee in ya bonnet if someone calls you plus size. The world regards anything over a 12 as plus size so thats a lot of ladies in the club there!

Whilst surfing the net I came cross this lovely blog that tries to enhance the coverage plus size vintage vixens and pinup pretties get.

I have to say I am loving her work...

Check it out!

Plus Size Pinup Blog

On Air Baby!

On Air Baby!

Khandie's interview at the Australian Burlesque Festival will be broadcast tonight!

This Afternoon's Listening Session

Just another list of the music accompanying my work this afternoon.














Enjoy.

Local Visitation Rights

Having moved further outside London I am determined to find my niche even out here in the sticks. Ok not quite that remote but hey...its not Central London.

On a recent trip to Wycombe I happened to pop into a shop that even from the outside was very impressive. There was no door mat, simply a Yen-esque tray of stones to step through into this opulently decorated shop. From golden busts to over filling drawers, the eyes were attracted and distracted similtanously. Kitsch Me Kwik was wonderful.

The baby of Juliet Hamilton (BA Hons PGCE no less), this lady's personality is eveident in all that she creates. Having designed/created costumes for the 80s legend Cyndi Lauper I instantly fell in love. Whilst a lot of the clothes have that crazy 80s vibe there is a much more vintage from the 30s onward nestled amongst it all.

The compacts ranged from the late 30s to the early 60s.
Impressively low priced too. Even the Chanel one.

Even her website shows just some of the vintage items she shows. I really liked the compacts. http://kitschmekwik.com/jewellery-20636-c-20636-1.html

Music for the moochers

I am a huge fan of rockabilly music but find my tastes have varied overtime and now I am more a collective fan...

Today I have listened to the following (in no particular order or importance)














And yes I am sure you will think there are some dud tracks in there...but in the immortal words of my ma: do one pie face!

God's Jukebox - Eternally Ours: ...from Mark #20 - As up to date as I care to be

God's Jukebox - Eternally Ours: ...from Mark #20 - As up to date as I care to be: "I've not been keeping my ear on the ball lately regarding new music. When I say lately, I probably mean since around 1981. I don't consid..."

Another fab choice of music from the man of good music Mark Lamarr!

High Street Finds

I am a stereotype. I am really am. By this I mean I love shopping. So each time I pop out I find myself taking photos of vintage inspired or simply garments I like from high street stores. I love my original vintage garments but its not always practical.

So from my recent pooters about the shops here are what I have found of late on the high street. Where possible I have included the price and shop.

From Oasis...£55.
very much a 50s bombshell halter dress.

Therapy House of Fraser
On sale from £55 to £35
Very sweetheart 50s pinup.

Coast on sale from £125 to £69
60s style wedding dress perhaps?
Think beehive and Jackie O

Back of Coast dress.

Yumi in House of Fraser. No price found :(
Cutesy pinup dress. 

Mikey £16 in the sale.
LOVE! Perfect for the showgirl

Fashion Fix

Every now and then I like to post pictures of myself on my twitter: http://twitter.com/BlahFashion. As some people have asked me where I get my outfits from I thought from time to time I would post some here occasionally.

Having recently tweeted about how I never find playsuits that fit me due to my 2 inches longer than standard torso (Thanks Lynn for measuring) I always end up with camel toe! Not sexy! Or comfortable. So imagine my surprise when I found one that is both vintage inspired, cheap and doesnt cut my vagina in half! WHOOP!

Playsuit is from Primark,
belt is from Mango,
shoes are an Ebay purchase
 bag is from  Hobo International.

Hair flower is from Miss Sweets Boutique,
faux hair bun is from Annabelles Wigs
pout is all my own with lashing of MAC Russian Red!

Can I also give a huge shout out to the company behind my faux hair bun. Annabelle's Wigs are my go-to people for hair pieces. Perfection in follicles or should I say in faux-licles? Go check them out!

Happy Days Are Here To Stay

Recently I found my weary ass in the shadow of Cardiff castle for the Armed Forces Day celebrations. As the host I was on duty with pinup poise and grace at all times but afterwards my face hurt more than ever; so rewarded myself with a small excursion to the delightful chocolate box town of Cowbridge. I had heard rumours of an Eggs Benedict with my name on it, so with my friend Hayley we headed Cowbridge bound the next morning.

After a thoroughly wonderful face stuffing of eggs, Hayley took me to a shop she knew I would love. We entered the vintage realm of 'Happy Days'. Every pore in my body oozed with vintage lust. Everywhere I looked were trinkets, furniture not to mention music and clothing of the vintage/retro variety. My eyes darted rapidly about the place, mentally placing each and every one of the goodies in my house.

Customised by one of the owners! LOVED IT!

A small selection of the clothing area.

The kitchen set up area...adorable. ALL for sale!

Also in the shop is a tea room which I am reliably informed sells delightful cream teas and cakes. I bought some fudge that lasted me all of 10 secs it was that yummy. Some of the space is rented to like minded vintage inspired artists and creatives so you can find some unique gifts as well. In the back there is even a dress maker! Now how many vintage stores can boast that?

I will be back for sure so if you are in the area I recommend you go. I was so surprised at how low priced all the items were. I saw a mint condition pink 1950s ballgown for sale for £55!!! Now that is good value!

La Perla Ding Dong

Wow! La Perla seem to have swallowed some of Lady Gaga's sense of 'style' and created some glamorous sophisticated takes on it.There are a lot of new arrivals but its the JP Gaultier collection that is by far and away the best. Very much a 40s take on some futurist styled lingerie...makes me think of the that famous film Metropolis. I can see the likes of Katherine Hepburn swanning about her boudoir in some of this snazzy numbers.

Metropolis 

WOW! La Perla. Copyright La Perla

Copyright La Perla