Milliner Lily Dache

This is milliner Lily Dache (see first photo). She was a famous French milliner (woman's hat maker) who immigrated from Paris to the US in the 1920s. She was really popular in her heyday which spaned from the 1930s to the 1960s more or less. She had two ready-to-wear lines called 'Mme Lily' and 'Dachette's'. The green hat is from the Dachette's line, I believe.

It's a shock that most, if not all milliners have been forgotten since the 1970s until today. In the past women would not consider leaving the house without some sort of hat. Now...nothing, nada, bupkis. So in my little humble way I want to pay homage to this great lady who made hats for the Hollywood greats and the little people like us(really I jest:). But here are a few photos to show her work. I could go on but it would be a whole other blog in itself. But please if you like the photos check her out.

I Covet Thee

Dita VonTeese and Rita Hayworth. I want the clothes, the hair, the whole sha-bang!

The 1940s Look by Mike Brown

Some days I get in a mood where I only want to look at images that will inspire me. And as of late it's been the 1940s. Somehow I stumbled on to this book that talks about the 40s hair, make up and all that. How have I never seen this? I wonder if it is still in print and any good!

Pink Swoon

This is Audrey Kitching (classed as an alternative model), for those like me who are out of the 'scene' loop. Maybe I don't really know of this because I live in London and not America or maybe because I am getting a smidgen older....NAH, it's because I live in London and don't see 'scene' kids in my daily life. Because darlings I am all about the fashion everywhere in the world! But nonetheless, before I begin to stand on my soap box, I must write that I am loving this pink bow. In fact I think I am going to have to make won for myself.

Caring is Creepy

I saw this (sort of tag thing)on lollipop26's blog so thought I would try it out too as it seemed fun! Let's see what my answers reveal....Try this, it's really fun!

Here is what you need to do:

1. Put your MP3 player/ iPod/ itunes library on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" You say? Man (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Steady As She Goes (The Raconteurs)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? The Thirteen Problems (Agatha Christie)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Love Machine (The Miracles)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? From This Moment (Shania Twain)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Too Young (Phoenix)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Yeah Yeah (Bodyrox & Luciana)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Off The Wall (Michael Jackson)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Mine Again (Mariah Carey)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? You Know I'm No Good (Amy Whinehouse)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? Pictures of You (The Cure)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Nico On The Night Train (Bedouin Soundclash)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Waiting For The 7.18 (Bloc Party)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? Impacto (Daddy Yankee)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? Honey, I'm Home (Shania Twain)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?? Mohawk (Charlie Parker)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? Crawl (Kings Of Leon)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Star Eyes (Sarah Vaughn)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Pump It Up (Danzel)

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? Caring Is Creepy (The Shins)

Photos from Paris Fashion Week A/W 2009

These are two of the hats that I worked on for Vivienne Westwood Show A/W 2009. Enjoy!


With the grey felt hat (above) the brief was to make it look FU@KED! That's what Dame Vivienne said summed up the feel of these hats. Basically it's supposed to look like you found it at the bottom of a neglected box in the attic.

This hat is made of a wool-mix-crackle blend fabric. It's the same fabric as the coat. The mood of this hat is supposed to be 'pull out of your pocket' ease. Basically it's supposed to be non-fussy and look a bit worn and twisted!

10 beauty products I can't live with out

In no particular order:

1) Enzo Milano curling iron. It gets hot very quickly and it creates a lasting curl in seconds.

2)Tresemme Freeze Hold hairspray. This stuff works in all weather conditions from humid and hot to drizzle foggy London rain. Plus is smells great.

3)Prescriptives Flawless Skin: Total protection with SPF 15 in Y/O Gold. This is the BEST foundation I have used to date. It provides medium to full coverage application but your skin can breathe, not look heavy at all and appear flawless.

4)Nars blush in Taj Mahal. It may look burnt orange in the pan but on my warm medium toned skin it looks like instant health.

5)#217 Mac eyeshadow brush. It is so multipurpose.

6)Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit. This product was originally recommededby my sister who is always on a quest for the best concealer for her under eye area. She rates this kit pretty high. For me I find that it does not crease, look cakey or slip side away. MUST TRY PRODUCT.

7)MAC lipglass in any shade. I love this product as it has long lasting power on my lips and doesn't dry them out.

8)URBAN DECAY PRIMER POTION. I know this product is always mentioned by beauty lovers but it's for a reason. This product is the only thing that keeps my eyeshadow on for an extended period of time.

9)Black eyeliner. My favorites is Urban Decay 24/7 in zero. It's dark and creamy but it stays put on my eyelid. What's weird though is that if I don't touch it it won't smudge but if I do touch it, it will smudge. For a great budget eyeliner that stays all day try Revlon Color stay. I turn to this time and again.

10)Mascara. I couldn't write a particular brand as I am always trying new combinations. I love Lash Blast but I find that if I put more then one coat on it smudges. I really love L'Oreal telescopic and voluminous mascara together in Carbon black. AMAZING.

If you have favorites,please share!