Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries

Friday night was the first episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries are based on the books by Kerry Greenwood. Essie Davies plays Miss Phryne (pronounced Fry-nee) Fisher. A thoroughly modern Millie who sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920's Melbourne fighting injustice with her pearl handled pistol and her dagger sharp wit trying to solve murders. 


Friday nights episode Cocaine Blues sees Miss Fishers return to Melbourne after years abroad. Almost as soon as she checks into the Windsor Hotel, Phryne is embroiled in mystery: poisoned husbands, cocaine smuggling rings and illegal abortionists – not to mention erotic encounters with the handsome Russian dancer, Sasha de Lisse. Her adventure reaches its steamy end in the Turkish Bath Palace off Little Lonsdale Street.


Having never read the books I couldn't say how they compare but I loved the first episode and plan on reading the books soon. I also loved the outfits that Essie wore as Phryne. Here are just a few of them:

My Gorgeous New Vintage Dress

I recently purchased this amazing 1950's dress from Blue Fennel Vintage on Etsy. I can't tell you how much I love this dress. It is remarkable similar to the one in the left picture which is from Dita Von Teese's Muse line for Meyer. Dita's dress is styled on a 1950's one from her own collection so I can only assume it is something remarkably similar to my recent purchase although the dresses in Dita's collection are around the $900 mark and I got this original for the bargain price of around $200. My dress is actually a more red tone than the picture shows.

Now I just need a fabulous event to wear the dress to!

At the Movies: The Artist

As I mentioned last week the hubby and I went to see The Artist which we both absolutely adored. The Artist tells the story of George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) a silent movie start who struggles to make the  transition to talkies.

While George's star is fading, Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), a young dancer who breaks out of the crowd of reporters and kisses George on the cheek at his premier, is on the rise. The newspapers are filled with stories trying to find out just exactly 'Who's that Girl?'

George gives Peppy here big break (and signature beauty spot) on the set of his next movie and she soon becomes a big movie star but she never forgets George or the spark between them.

My favorite scene (except maybe the one with George's adorable Jack Russell) is the tap dance scene at the end of the movie with George and Peppy. The scene was filmed in the same studio that Debbie Reynold and Gene Kelly used for Singing in the Rain and perfectly encompasses the feel of these old time movies. There is almost an air of Fred and Ginger about it.

The most stunning thing about the movie is that it is filmed in black and white and is almost entirely silent except for the odd snippets of sound highlighting the fact that while the world around him has become a noisy place George still can't find his voice.  The film was visually stunning having been filmed in exaclty the style of an old black and white silent movie with no zoom in shots and in a 1.33:1 "Academy ratio,"  but would likely been a flop without the amazing performances from the leads.

Jean Dujardin absolutely envisages the role of male lead in a silent movie. His extensive facial expressions and caddish charm make the movie and even in moments of great vulnerability he expresses his emotions so well without uttering a single word and Bérénice Bejo is simply perfect as the quirky young up and coming actress.

I implore you to go and see the movie which put simply is stunning and deserves every award it gets. In the meantime here the trailer:

P.s for all you fashionistas the 1920's style flapper gowns that Peppy wears in the movie can be bought from Leluxe Clothing

My Vintage Style Evolution

My earliest vintage clothing memory is me and my sister standing on my Nan's huge dinning room table dressed in her old ball gowns and cocktail dresses that she was cutting the bottom of so we could use them for dressing up. I still remember the gorgeous dresses and wish that she hadn't cut them down so I could wear them today.
The dresses included a gorgeous peacock blue beaded jersey dress with tiny spagetti strap with a matching jacket. A 50s style black satin dress with lace collar and a gorgeously floaty hot pink maxi dress style number.

Me in a fairy costume my mum made. 

Check out the multi-layered tissue paper tutu! 

All my life I've been a girly girl and loved dressing up, doing my makeup and putting on my jewellery. My school photo at the age of 7 has me sulking in the front row because my mum put me in trousers not a pretty girly dress on photo day. At the start of winter and start of Summer  my Nan would take me and my sisters out and buy us an outfit each. I remember pom-pomed jumpers and jodpurs, tartan kilts and cute sweaters in the winter and each summer and beautiful summer frock.

My 19th birthday in Ibiza

Looking back I don't think I ever really conformed to  what was in fashion. I spent my teenage years in a whole range of styles but from each style I took items that I still wear today. Be it the corsets and seamed stockings from my Goth days or the form fitting and classic cut styles of my preppy days!

Me on my 20th birthday in my first corset

I really discovered the pin up look in 2007 just before we moved to Australia. The UK high street was full of pin up and sailor inspired items including sailor jackets and full circle dresses. It was then I really got into the whole vintage look and started reading up more about it. I stumbled across clothing websites like Heyday and Pinup Girl Clothing and joined sites like The Fedora Lounge.

Dressing up again! with my older Sister - Easter 2003

Perhaps surprisingly I didn't buy my first vintage item until 2008 - a pair of black kidskin elbow gloves. Since then I've constantly been buying items through sites like eBay and Etsy

What Emma Did - 26th February 2012

This week I have been:
♥ Quitting my job!
♥ Working on new products to sell in my new Etsy store!
♥ Winning tickets to see Our Idiot Brother
♥ Squeeing in delight when my gorgeous vintage dress arrived (an outfit post will follow)
♥  Watching the whole series of Revenge which was awesome!
♥ Getting a lot more DIY jobs done around the house (I think we're actually almost done!)

My New Etsy Project

That's right readers Emma aime is opening a shop on Etsy selling some ingenious (even if I do say so myself) items to help you with your vintage hairstyling.

I'm still at the concept stage with these products at the moment but once a few prototypes have been tried and tested I will bring you a post with all the details. For now you can find the (empty) shop here!

How to Look Your Best on a Budget

Big news dear readers I quit my job! Now that I've joined the realm of the unemployed I had to come up with some ingenious ways to stay looking my best. Here are some ideas I came up with:

1. Participate in online surveys and market research to earn rewards
Online Surveys:
Often companies will send you products to test and complete surveys on. These range from household items and food to beauty products and a whole host of other items. I'm currently a member of a few online survey sites which offer points that can be turned into rewards such as gift card for companies like the Coles Myer group and the Woolworths group.

I recently earned enough points to bag a $20 wish gift card which means I will be snapping up these gorgeous shoes next time I hit Big W and I'm aiming to earn enough for a Target gift voucher so I can get some of the items from Dita's Von Follies range.

 If you're looking for online survey sites simply Google online paid surveys. If you're in Australia you can find a big list here!

Market Research:
There are many market research groups that will pay for your opinions on certain products.I was recently invited to on for eBay that paid $80 for my participation and many companies will pay around this amount for opinions on products and services. Just do an internet search for companies conducting market research in your area.

2. Approach companies about review products for free samples:
As I know many of my readers are also blogger you can get free samples of products or even free products but agreeing to write a review in return for the product. You can also make money via your blog by hosting adverts, writing reviews and advertorials and joining affiliate schemes. Simply search online for ways to monetize your blog.

3. Looking for free haircuts or beauty services:
Many colleges will offer free cutting or beauty services if you agree to let students practice on you. The thought of letting someone whose not yet a professional tamper with your locks may be a bit daunting but if you go in with an open mind you may come out with a fab style for free and if not just remind yourself its only hair it will grow!

4. Make the most of free samples:
A lot of companies will offer scrummy free samples for you to test out a product before you buy. Companies like Lush and cosmetic and perfume counters are great for this. Many also offer free makeovers if you're looking for a great new look for free!

5. Having a clear-out:
Go through your wardrobe and other household items and see if there's anything that you're no longer using and sell it. Auction site like eBay are good for this. I'm currently selling a pair of Vivien of Holloway blue denim trousers here i'm hoping they'll go for enough for me to buy the Soda Fountain dress in ginger on Modcloth.

6. Offering your expertise or talents for money:
Are you a skilled photographer, good motivational speaker or excellent crafter? Why not offer you services in return for pay. If your super crafty why not set up a shop on Etsy selling your wares. If you have other talents or expertise why not approach businesses that you feel you could help in your area.

At the Movies: Our Idiot Brother

The lovely people at Nuffnang are currently offer a double pass to see Our Idiot Brother. The movie star Zooey Deschanel whose kooky style I simply adore and the cute as a puppy dog Paul Rudd who plays odball brother Ned. Ned is the kind guy who looks for the best in every situation and everyone he meets. This often causes friction between Ned and his family.

Ned hits rock bottom when he is tricked into selling pot to an undercover police officer. However upon his release from jail Ned finds that his girlfriend has thrown him out of their home on an organic farm and taken his dog Willie Nelson. Stuck without a home Ned returns to his begrudging family.

Our Idiot Brother is out on DVD and Blue-ray on 15 March 2012but in the menatime you can catch the trailer here:

Pan Am

OK so I may be a little slow on the uptake as the series came out September last year but I finally got around to watching Pan Am and I absolutely adore it. For those of you that have yet to watch it this fantastic drama series is set in the early 60's and follows the crew of Pan American Airways as the fly around the world get up to all sorts of adventures. The show has been panned for being soapy and superficial  but for me its plain good fun TV that fills a gap while I'm waiting for the return of Mad Men (March this year FYI)

Probably unsurprisingly one of my favourite things about the show is all the fabulous outfits the girls wear. I will leave you with these shots of some of my favourite outfits from the show

Dita Von Teese for Art Deco Cosmetics

Exciting new news for Dita von Teese fans. Dita just announced on Who Say that she will be launching a new range of cosmetics with Art Deco Cosmetics this coming May. Dita is shooting the campaign next week in Paris. No other details have emerged but I will keep you updated when they do.

Dita also mentioned that her beauty book (which I have been waiting for forever!) will be out this fall. The picture above is a teaser from the book!

Vivien of Holloway 1940s Swing Pants in Blue Denim for sale

Just a quick note to let you know that I'm selling my Vivien of Holloway 1940s Swing Pants in Blue Denim as the cut just doesn't fit me right. They are brand new and never worn (except for when I tried them on!) You can bid on them on them on eBay here!

Three Ways to Wear: Soda Fountain Dress

I recently ordered the Soda Fountain Dress in Ginger from Modcloth. I'm waiting for it to be delivered but in the meantime I've been coming up with a lot of different ways to style it. I can see this dress becoming a wardrobe staple as it can be accesorised so many different ways. Here's just some of the ways I came up with:

What Emma Did - 19th February 2012

This week I have been:
♥ Enjoying a valentines dinner and cabaret cruise on the Sydney showboats
♥ Going out to Almustafa to celebrate the Italian Fairies birthday
♥ Catching the new series Revenge which looks like its gonna be a good one!
♥ Planning a spa day with the UN girlies
♥ Having a lazy Wednesday watching The Artist and Midnight in Paris
♥ Heading out to lunch for our Niece's 21st birthday
♥ Finally watching Pan Am which is fab so far!

At the Movies: Midnight in Paris

Well what do you know, no film reviews for a year and then two in two weeks! The hubby and I had a lazy Wednesday watching movies. We went for a 1920's theme and watched both Midnight in Paris and The Artist (which I will also be reviewing soon!)

Midnight in Paris tells the story of Gil (played by Owen Wilson) a successful Hollywood writer who is struggling to make the cross over from screen writer to novelist. Gil holds a great nostalgia for Paris in the 1920's so when Gil's fiancee Inez' (Rachel McAdams) parents travel to Paris for business the couple tag along. It soon becomes apparent that the couple want completely different things.

The fun starts when Gil takes a midnight stroll around the city only to be picked up at midnight in an old Peugeot by Scot Fitzgerald to the 1920s where Gil meets Cole Porter, The Fitzgeralds, Hemingway, Josephine Barker, Dali and a whole host of other artists of the era including Adrianna the mistress of Picasso who catches Gils eye.

I absolutely adored this movie and found it simply enchanting. The hubby and I especially liked playing 'guess the 1920s bohemian' so all through the movie was cries of 'that's Hemingway' 'that's Cole Porter' 'that's Josephine Barker'. The movie was definitely cutesier than I imagined from the trailer and I'm still not sure I like Owen Wilson as an actor but I still loved every bit of it.

By the by this movie made me fall in love with Paris again. If i'm honest I think I may just be in love with Paris in the movies and I know from experience its not like that in real life!

Midnight in Paris is out at cinemas now but in the meantime enjoy the trailer:

Spreets Competition

With the recession leaving us with little spare change in our pockets we're all looking for ways to enjoy time out for less. That's why I joined Spreets.com.au. Spreets is a website that offers fantastic deals on a number of goods and services including Health, Fitness, Beauty and loads more!

Today I'm teaming up with Spreets.com.au  to offer one lucky winner a $25 gift voucher to use on any of Spreet's Daily Deals.  To win all you have to do is tell me what you would spend your $25 Spreets voucher on by commenting below. You can check out Daily Deals Sydney for some inspiration and the most creative answer will win the voucher. The prize will be drawn on 1st March 2012 so get your answers in soon for a chance at this fab prize!

Valentines Day on the Sydney Showboat

The Hubby and I spend our valentines night being entertained by Sydney Showboats. The Hubby's Mum had got us vouchers for Christmas for the showboat so we put them to good use and booked for Valentines Day.
The boats themselves are beautiful old paddle steamers that have been fully refurbished top suit the show requirements.

 As we cruised around the harbor at a leisurely pace taking in the beautiful sights of the Opera house and bridge we were treated to a delicious 3 course meal starting with an entree platter of smoked salmon rolls, Tandoori spiced chicken drumettes & chilli garlic prawns. For mains I had Northern rivers prime veal cutlet with mushroom and ricotta tart  while the hubby got oven roasted chicken breast with asparagus, porcini mushrooms, mash & champagne cream. Dessert was a gorgeous platter of vanilla bean panacotta, rich chocolate cake and heavenly tiramisu.

After dinner we were treated to a wonderful show of dazzling dancers, fantastic costuming and fabulous vocal numbers.

All in all it was a wonderful way to spend valentines day!

Prices for cruises start at $100 a head and include a 3 hour cruise with 3 course meal, wine, beer and all soft drinks and the fabulous showboats show! You can book your ticket here

What Emma Did - 12th February 2012

This week I have been:
♥ Taking a roadtrip to the Southern Highlands to pick up a mid century modern sideboard we bought on ebay
♥ Catching up with the UN girlies for a spot of lunch
♥ Going shopping for yet more homewears and DIY items
♥  Watching the new series of Misfits
♥  Giving my wardrobes a makeover

At the Movies: The Muppets

The Hubby and I watched the new Muppet movie this week. Having grown up watching muppet movies and Muppets Tonight on TV I have to say this movie did not disappoint. I love everything about it from the staged musical numbers to the pseudo 50's styling and the tongue in cheek humor.

The film tells the story of Walter a Muppet growing up in Smalltown with his brother Gary (Jason Seagal). Walter and Gary are avid Muppet fans growing up so when they get the chance to visit the Muppet Theatre on a trip to LA (along with Garys long suffering neglected girlfriend Mary played by Amy Adams) they jump at the chance. However when Walter inadvertently finds out that rich oil baron Tex Richman (Gary Cooper) plans to buy the dilapidated theatre and demolish it to dig for oil underneath Walter, Gary and Mary go on a roadtrip to get the band back together reunite the Muppets and put on a telethon to raise the $10,000,000 the Muppets need to buy the theatre.

One of my favourite things about the movie was all the gorgeous outfits Amy Adams got to wear so here are a few shots of them:

Von Follies for Target

If you're looking for a fab valentines present for your favourite vintage lady then check out Dita Von Teese's new underwear range Von Follies at Target. The range features some beautiful vintage inspired pieces in sizes up to an E cup. The pieces are very well priced with bras at approximately $40 and undies around the $20 mark.

Von Follies is available tomorrow in stores and online at Designers for Target but for today I leave you with this fab pictures of the range:

What Emma Did - 5th February 2012

I didn't have time to blog yesterday as I spend most of the day putting together flat packs from Ikea so this week I have been:

♥  Buying a new sofa at Ikea
♥  Meeting up with the Purple Fairy for a spot of lunch
♥  Going for a girly night out with Tinkerbell and the Purple Fairy
♥  Spending way to many hours playing My Sims Kingdom on the Wii