Outfit: The Perfect Winter Dress

I've mentioned my favourite vintage shop, Red Ruby, a few times before I think (and if I haven't, you now all know, at least, its name); lately I've been trying to avoid going in there as I'm saving. Well...trying to save, anyway. Two things I'm not very good at: saving money & eating healthily. Anyway, as I said, I was trying to avoid going into the shop but I also felt a little bad because I like to pop in and say hello to Gail (the lovely lady who owns/runs the store) whenever I can. So, on Friday I thought I may as well go in as not. And I think it was rather lucky that I did because I found my perfect winter dress (as the title of this post would indicate):

Isn't it absolutely divine? Gail said she had wished she had my phone number because she knew it was an 'Andrea dress' as soon as she saw it. It's definitely one of the most expensive dresses I've bought but I did get 15$ knocked off the price and a free pair of shoes, too:

Maybe 1970s? I just think golf when I look at these.

Oh, and Gail had seen the article in the paper and was chuffed I mentioned her shop (apparently a few people had been in there after they saw it) - she even had it pinned up in the dressing room.

Outfit details: hair bow - Forever 21 (I think); 1930s/40s tartan dress - Red Ruby Vintage; gloves - Salvos; vintage stockings - church op-shops; shoes - Spend Less.

These two pictures show the colour better than the first.

I took the dress out for a spin, yesterday, when my friend Kate & I went to the North Adelaide Vintage & Fashion Fair. My dress was admired by a few people, one of whom had seen the aforementioned article in the paper and recognised me. I was rather embarrassed (but happily so)! I didn't pick up any more clothes, but I did get a few things (I couldn't resist - I'm truly terrible at saving) - 

Some sheet music - there were so many more that I wanted to get but at 2$ apiece I thought I should cull my selection a bit. Perhaps sadly, I think I was most excited about 'What a Mouth'. 

The lady I bought this from originally wanted 15$ but haggled herself down to 7$. No kidding, she haggled herself! Brilliant.

These were only 5$ each so of course I had to get both! More to add to my collection (which I am running out of room for).

As a side note, I've realised it's coming up to my one year blogiversary! I tweeted about it the other day and about how I would love to do a giveaway to celebrate but I don't really have anything to give; The Freelancer's Fashion Blog suggested I perhaps contact an etsy/other online store and ask if they would sponsor one that I've bought a lot from but there isn't really any one store I've bought a lot from (plus, I'm a little too shy, I think. Isn't it terrible - I'm even shy on the internet!) but it is an idea. I shall think on it! I've had a lovely year of blogging and I'd like to celebrate it somehow.

Love,
Andi B. Goode
x

Dream Cardi, Got Me Dreaming Sweet Dreams

Just a short post to introduce you all to my new cardigan; it may not actually be my dream cardi (as suggested by the title), but it is dreamy:

It's not often that I find anything decent in op-shops, anymore. So, when I saw this lovely (for only 4$) I snapped it up straight away. It's definitely 1950s style but I'm not sure when this actually dates to. There's a little hole on one of the sleeves and some discolouration but with something this cute, and this cheap, it really doesn't matter!

It fits me almost perfectly and it's a little itchy but I'm willing to make allowances. I'm just dying for some 1940s (or 40s style) knitwear but it's so hard to find! And I'm more than willing to knit my own (once I can figure out how to work with vintage patterns) but it's so expensive to knit up a whole sweater! 

Or, perhaps, it just seems more expensive because I'm rather a bit strapped for cash, at the moment. Have been thinking of selling some of my 70s/80s, etc. I no longer want/need on etsy, maybe, and perhaps setting up an account to sell prints of my artwork, seeing as no one wants to employ me, at the moment. Thoughts?

Ahem. Anyway, isn't my new cardigan lovely?

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

Andi B. Goode Loves Colours

About a month ago I was contacted by We Love Colors, asking if I'd like to try out some of their products - they even let me choose what I wanted. I don't often say no to free things, especially when they look as lovely as these did, so I said yes! They arrived last week and I took some photos to share with you all.

I mainly went for their socks; most of the things on the site are really cute but I pretty much only wear seamed stockings in nude/tan or black, so I felt the socks would suit my own style best. They're lovely and soft and look great with my saddle shoes! I couldn't really ask more of a sock. 

I did get a pair of fishnet hold-ups, though. They aren't seamed but they're lovely and comfortable - 

As I said, they are hold-ups (which means they have the sticky bits around the top to stick to your thigh - unlike others I've tried they don't dig in much and create that yucky dent or roll down) and sit quite high up on my thigh (I'm 5'3), which I like.

There are a lot of other products available on their site, including things for men and children. Take a look around!

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

Rockin' With Wanda

Last night I had the honour (for what else could you call it?) of seeing one of rockabilly's living legends - the Queen of Rockabilly, herself, Wanda Jackson. (I did a post on her way back near the beginning of my blog.) It was so amazing - I was happier than I have been in a long time. But, first things first, here's an outfit shot:

I wore a dress you've all seen once or twice before (depending on how long you've been reading my blog) - it's the most rockabilly thing I own, I think, and I thought it was perfect for last night. I'm also wearing two petticoats underneath.

Here are some detail shots:

Rose bracelet, Rubi Shoes; wooden bracelet & earrings, won from Pretty Little Things; cherry brooch, from an old penpal.

I actually took photos of other people, too! I barely ever get my camera out because I'm often too shy but I thought I would give you all something to look at, other than yours truly. (But I only took photos of people I know.)

This is Tiffany, who I've only met once before but she's looked absolutely amazing both times. 

Amy & Elle. I know Elle, who is a total cutie, through swing dancing and Amy is her friend, who I only met last night. I love Amy's tights!!

Here I am with my lovely friend, Molly, who always looks stunning.

Me again, with Miss Paula-Jane, who runs Moxie Minx Clothing.

And Evelyn and Lyndal. Aren't they gorgeous? 

I was lucky to be able to stand right up front for the entire show, so I actually got some decent photos. They're all much the same, so I've only uploaded two:

I hope I'm half as fabulous when I'm 72!!

Because I'll just gush if I write proper sentences, here are some highlights:

- Shaking her hand as she reached out to the audience

- Dancing, cheering/screaming and singing

- Funnel of Love!!

- Her husband - I think his name is Wendell Goodman - said my dress was pretty

- Wanda covering Amy Winehouse (her newest single, produced by Jack White)

- Being able to tell her how inspiring she is (hopefully she heard me), when she signed my record and photograph

- The Satellites, wonderful as they always are
- Yodelling!

- Basically, the whole night. It was so amazing. I was nearly in tears at one point but I mainly couldn't stop smiling.

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

Interview at Modern Vintage Girl

Just a quick post to let you all know I did an interview for Angel at Modern Vintage Girl which you can read here. While you're there, take a look around her blog. It's well worth it, I assure you!

I was very happy to do the interview for Angel - she's a lovely gal and I'm glad that I met her through blogging (well, Queens of Vintage, actually). Hurrah! She also had some sweet things to say about me, too.

While I'm on the subject of lovely blog friends, Syd aka The Golden Girl of the West is having a giveaway because she's nearly at 400 followers. If you're not following her blog, I really think you should! Then you might be able to get her over the 400 mark - wouldn't that be lovely?

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

Outfit: More 1940s Repro

On Saturday night I went to see Peaches 'n' Gin Burlesque's Cabaret Fringe Show at Nexus Cabaret. Anyone in Adelaide really needs to go see one of their shows! But I think you may have to wait until September. I haven't been anywhere that I can get all fancied up for, for a while now so I was happy to finally be able to wear the Vivien of Holloway dress I bought back in April. It's absolutely gorgeous, though the sizes do seem to run a little large.

Outfit details: necklace - from mum; 1940s repro dress - Vivien of Holloway; belt - gift; mahjong tile bracelet - etsy; bracelet - blog giveaway prize; stockings - Love Kylie; shoes - Big W.

One thing I dislike about Winter is that, because it gets dark earlier, I have to take my outfit shots inside and we have terrible lighting in our house. Oh well!

I also saw my friend, Abi, there. We didn't get a photo on Thursday night when we both had red ribbons in our hair so we got one on Saturday, instead. No red ribbons, but a lot of red! Abi is a very talented seamstress - she made the corset and the pencil skirt she is wearing in this photo.

My internet is playing up so that is all for today, alas!

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

Outfit(s): 1940s Repro

For such a long time now, I've been drooling over all of the wonderful things in the etsy shop, nudeedudee. So, one day I decided 'Ah, to heck with it!' and, after some encouraging words from The Vintage Baroness (who has had some amazing pieces made by Kim) I contacted Kim about making me one of her Georgina 1940s pinafores. And I definitely do not regret it. Working with Kim was a very positive process - she's very easy to communicate with and does her utmost to ensure that what she makes is exactly what you want. I'm going to try to coerce my family into getting me something for Christmas, I think.

Outfit details: bow - ?; blouse - Cotton On; repro pinafore skirt - nudeedudee; socks - ?; saddle shoes - Payless.

And look at the gorgeous buttons! Kim gave me the choice of these or the regular white buttons. 

Neither of these photos shows the colour of the skirt properly (at least, on my computer screen) but this is definitely closer. It's not quite mint green - maybe more pistachio? I wondered, for a little while, if it was the right colour for me but I think with the darker blouse it balances out nicely.

While we're on the subject of 1940s repro, I have also been wanting some (more) high waisted trousers for a while now. But, after the last few purchases, I decided to try to save some money so I thought I would wait for them. Then I remembered that the pattern Mum made my suit from also had a pattern for trousersl. I wasn't sure if they would sit where I wanted them to but they are absolutely perfect. The following photo does not do them proper justice and you can't see the lovely waistline, unfortunately.

Outfit details: scarf - opshop; vintage sweater - North Adelaide Vintage & Fashion Fair; 1940s repro trousers - my mum; saddle shoes - Payless.

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

P.S. I would also like to apologise for not commenting on other blogs as much as I used to. I think I'm following too many things online and may need to cut down (probably with Tumblr).

Outfit: The Same Shirt

Firstly, I made it past the 400 followers mark! I'm quite chuffed. I know I don't always reply to every comment left but each one is so very much appreciated as are each and every one of you.

Secondly, I am too tired to write anything (which accounts for the atrocious first few sentences...apologies) blog-worthy so I've just got a few photos, instead:

Sometimes I like to take photos of myself dancing. I also really like my shirt/jeans/shoes. I think I need more check shirts for winter because I don't want to take this off.

I bought this brooch from Urban Cow Studio, when I went to see the exhibition that Ruby's work is in.

I got my friend to take some photos of me.

A rare chance to see the back of my hair!

Today I spent 20$ on vintage buttons. 

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

Outfit: Saddle Shoes & a Western Bowtie

Yesterday I went into town for an appointment - I was meant to meet up with a friend after but she had to reschedule until Monday. So, I just wandered around, bought myself some old photos, finally found a decent sized pretzel and took some photos. This is what I wore:

Outfit details: western style bowtie - Midwest Trader; plaid blouse - Target; 1930s crepe skirt - Red Ruby Vintage; red socks - ?; saddle shoes - Payless. 

I knew that I desperately needed a dark blue plaid blouse for winter, but when I saw this in Target I was a little unsure. I went back the next day (the purpose of the trip was actually to purchase Emma, which I've watched nearly twice through already!), tried it on and decided I loved it and that is the very exciting story of how I came to own my lovely new blouse.

I'd also like you to excuse the not-so-glamorous background in this photo (although, I just realised our water heater has 'hotshot' written on it and I'm standing next to it, which amuses me) - I was up two ours earlier than usual and also running late for an appointment. I took the photo in a rush, wherever the light was decent, which just happened to be next to the water heater and airconditioner. I'm thinking of wearing this again on Monday (the cold weather is making me lazy and sometimes I like to give outfits a second outing soon after their first, if not many people saw it the first time) and getting my friend to take some photos when we're in town.

I'm still obsessed with these shoes. I've mainly been wearing them with white socks but thought red would make a nice change. I've come to realise that I treat red like a neutral colour - it goes with (just about) everything!

I've also realised that I need more (a lot more) of these - I only have the one.

I don't often post inspiration for particular outfits - often because there isn't anything specific that has influenced me - but this time there are two different things! Or, rather, people.

The first is Lauren of Wearing History.

This is definitely one of my favourite outfits I've seen since I started blogging! I love the plaid, I (of course) love the saddle shoes and I also love the detail of the big yellow button. Lauren's original post with this shot can be found here. (Photo used with Lauren's permission - I hoped it would be flattering and not single-white-female-esque, haha).

The second influence is one of Katie Brown's dresses in Calamity Jane

The inspiration is more in the idea of blue plaid...and also her hair! I want to grow my hair really, really long, now.

I was going to wear a big bow in the back of my hair but then I ran out of time and just pinned the sides back. Next time, I will definitely wear a bow.

Well. That was one of the longest outfit posts I've done in a while! Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends.

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

Musical Interlude {Sparkle Moore}

A while ago, now, my friend gave me a whole heap of songs she had downloaded - mainly rockabilly and related tunes. One of my favourite finds, whilst going through all of the songs, was a series of compilations called 'Hot Boppin' Girls'. I think it's fair to say that the average person thinks of  musicians like Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran et al when they think about 1950s rockabilly and that, with a few exceptions, women get pretty much overlooked. 

So, a compilation dedicated to female rockabilly singers got me really excited (I'm sure there are other compilations out there but this series is all I have) - there are tunes from gals like Ruth Brown, Barbara Pittman, Ella Mae Morse and lots of others. One of my favourites is a lady by the name of Sparkle Moore. And not least because she dressed in men's clothing and often sported a pompadour. You can read a teensy little bit about her here at Wikipedia.

I think this is my favourite picture!

All images found on last.fm

Here are a couple of her songs (she didn't record many, which is a pity):

This was the B-Side to her single Rock-A-Bop.

While I'm by no means an aficionado, I think one of the reasons I've come to love rockabilly and hillbilly/country music so much is that, unlike most popular music, it's so common to see women playing musical instruments! And I love seeing that. I have a feeling Sparkle would have rocked just as hard as Gene Vincent when she toured with him in 1956, don't you think?

Love,

Andi B. Goode

x

P.S. I've got some pages, which you can access via the links just under my banner, to pages with lists of my Silver Screen Sunday & Musical Interlude posts, instead of having to use my tags if you want to look at any particular post. Oh, there's one for the Style Icon entries, too. Are they helpful links?