Hello Sailor vintage fair - THIS SUNDAY!

Come down to the Carlton Club on Bourke street and say hi....

Bringing back the Swatch

Most people don't wear watches any more, myself included up until recently, but I got sick of pulling out my mobile phone every time I wanted to check the time. I kept buying cheap second hand Swatch Watches from the 80s, maybe it was nostalgia, although mainly I actually like the design. The standard ladies is the perfect size for a small wrist and the early to mid eightes models are simple and minimalist - especially love the men's 'white out' model from 1987 pictured above - white face, band and hands. Might need keen eyesight to read the time but who cares, it's looks great. Keep an eye on my Ebay store for Swatch watches from time to time.

Ethically sound el-cheapo sandshoe

As much as i do love my cheap as chips $9.95 Big W sand shoes (as featured in my very first post), in my heart I know there's a reason they're $9.95 and it's probably not only because they're made of canvas and rubber. I've just discovered Gideon's shoes, an 'ethical sneaker brand' with working conditions in line with Australian standards of employment. Another reason to upgrade to Gideon's shoes - $5 from each pair (they retail $39.95) goes to HipHoperations desert project, a programme which aims to empower young indigenous people through music. They're also a fine looking unisex canvas shoe in a colour for every day of the week.

Buy Gideon's shoes online, or at General Pants.

Hello Sailor vintage fair - this Sunday!

Join us this Sunday 9th of November at the Carlton Hotel for the second Hello Sailor vintage fair. Pretty Percy will be there and I've just bought HEAPS of new stock, so much of it I'm very tempted to keep for myself including this great ship brooch and pendant. Hope to see you there!

The best 80s style gym bags

TRKFLD

This Philly-based company make a classic barrel-style gym bag in rainbow-bright colours. I like my accessories plain and simple, so I'm not as into the striped fabric used on most of their other designs but the 'Maile' is a TRKFLD winner.

American Apparel

Having recently opened their first stores in Australia, American Apparel are probably best known for their t-shirts, though they deserve serious kudos for some great accessories at affordable prices. AA's strong anti-sweatshop philosophy is also to be applauded.

Warning: those born post-1980 may have bad acid-wash flashbacks. I'm fine with it in very small doses (above, far right).

Jack Gomme

Order & Progress is hands down my favourite fashion shop in Melbourne, but even if you're not a hipster Melburnian you can now buy their fine goods 'from Brasil & beyond' online. Jack Gomme bags are beautifully made, roomy, and come in black, black, black and silver. They have the best printed lining featuring the smiling cartoon faces of the designers Paul & Sophie.

'Forget me not' rings by Kiel Mead

There's more than a few designers around doing the whole 'jewellery-made-from-inanimate-objects' thing, but Brookyn-based Kiel Mead's Forget me not rings stand out. They're simple, stylish and witty, the mold crafted from a real tied piece of string then hand cast. Buy them in Melbourne at 'In the Woods' http://www.inthewoods.com.au/ or online at http://www.kielmead.com/.

The ubiquitous el-cheapo chinese sandshoe

Why spend $80 on Converse when Big W sells these for $9.95? They'll probably fall apart within weeks but for now, I really like the way the laces thread through the eyelets on the ankles and they're surprisingly comfortable. The brand name is 'Casual expression' which is even better. I like the thought of casually expressing myself.....