Animal Children

I'm in love with the "Bestia Parvulus" photographs series by the canadian photographer Pamela Klaffke (prints available here.)






Aren't they a perfect inspiration for Halloween costumes too? A good outfit and an animal mask like those ones are the perfect compromise if you want a 50% charming, 50% creepy effect. Imagine a brigade of these little girls in a deserted street or a park after dark...brrrrrr....great!

I should definitely buy a rabbit mask like that one!

Rib Bones And Other Various Parts

I know, I know, I'm a baaaaddd blogger...and I'm so sorry for this long silence. I even must add I don't have a real excuse apart from lazyness...I enjoyed these last warm days (yesterday it was like summer, no jokes! And today, apart from a crazy -Mary Poppins's coming - wind is still a beautiful day) but I'll do my best to post more often in the upcoming weeks and months, when cold and rain will sadly be here.

Tomorrow's Halloween and I'd love to be again in New York...


we don't have a real one here, no nice children and the trick or treat thing...just a bunch of local teens who think Halloween means eggs, flour and toilet paper everywhere. Not a pretty thing when you found them even in your letter box!
By the way, what you're planning to do and, first thing, to wear?

With the lace trend and the dark make up one I think the Corpse Bride should be the easier option! But it seems a lot of inspiration come from next Spring catwalks too...


From left to right: Givenchy, Christian Lacroix and the amazing Rodarte dress.
(Read a related post and see more pics on Style.com)
The fashionable evolution of the classic skeleton costume a la Donnie Darko?!


So girls&guys, have a great, candy corn filled, Halloween :-)

Nine Questions To Treasured Little Things

This week, for the new "episode" of the Nine Questions series, I interviewed a fabulous Etsy seller. Although I think sometimes vintage clothing on Etsy may be a little overpriced, there are little gems as well and Tresured Little Things is certainly one of them.


The store, ran by the super nice Charmaine is located in Hong Kong and most of the vintage pieces available are from the fantastic Japanese market. This means tons of amazing lightweight dresses with pretty prints...guess where the dress below - one of my favorite - come from ;-)


Prices are really affordable, but more than this, right now Treasured Little Things is having a fantastic 50% off everything listed before 7th August, excluding items in the sale section.

What are you waiting for?!





1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH Tresured Little Things?

No matter where she goes, my grandmother is always wearing a Chinese cheongsam. She always looked so beautiful and well groomed, oozing elegance from a time long forgotten and much treasured. She gave me one of the tailor made cheongsam she wore when she was at her 20s, that is when my love for vintage bloomed. Since then, I have developed an obsessive compulsive disorder with collecting vintage things.
After graduating from SVA with a graphic design degree and working for a few years in nyc, I decided to move back to Hong Kong. With clothes, flips clocks, old books and all kinds of gadgets I have collected through out the years that amounts to the size of a shipping container (yes the huge ones you see parked at docks), I realized it's impossible bring them all home, so I decided to part with my collection through Ebay. It was such a fun process that I wanted to continue even after I returned to HK. And so, Treasured Little Things came into existence. Now, I hand pick vintage pieces mostly from the Japanese market. I can't get enough of their pretty prints and patterns! This is all thanks to my granny.


2. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PIECE YOU'RE BUYING FOR THE STORE? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY YOUR PERSONAL TASTE?

If I'm not truly passionate about something why would someone else sees the value I see in it. So, yes, my personal taste is a great influence to what I buy for the store. I look for items that are in good condition and have great details (be it the pattern or an unexpected porcelain button closure placed inside of a wrap dress). I also have an obsession with smooth and slinky fabrics.

3. IS NOT SAD AND "HEARTBREAKING" TO SELL A PIECE YOU LOVE, LETTING IT PASSES ON? AREN'T YOU TEMPTED TO KEEP ALL FOR YOURSELF?!

I'll admit that I really want to keep everything I find, but with the ever growing mountain of clothes I have collected through out the years, I realized even if I wear a different piece everyday, hell even if I change outfits 3 times a day, there are still too much to wear. And it makes my day when my customers send me photos of them in their new dresses.





4. HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE IS VINTAGE?

I have a nice mix of vintage and non-vintage clothes. I like the idea of melding the old with the new and each gets to shine.

5. AND WHAT ABOUT CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS AND PERSONAL HOT SPOTS?

I'm in love with Maison Martin Margiela's impeccable tailoring and use of fabric. Roger Vivier's shoes are divine. I'm so glad the label is once again living up to its reputation of excellence under the artistic direction of Bruno Frisoni. Monique Lhuillier's contemporary line also catches my eye.

Lok Ku Road in Central area of Hong Kong is a street full of stores selling vintage gadgets. I have found a first generation HP business pocket calculator (1973) there before. You have to look really hard for unique things on this street, as store owners usually just stack everything in a pile and it's quite difficult to see anything at first glance. Peel Fresco Music Lounge is jamming with great live music almost every night.
I still go back to New York 2-3 times a year. Zucco Le French Diner in nyc is a great little restaurant and the food is authentic and delicious! You must try their Coq Au Vin! Taisho on St Mark's offers yummy Japanese yakitori and opens til late on weekends. The last time I was there, I came across Marmalade Vintage on Ludlow St and they have a nice shoe collection.

6. DO YOU THINK THE INCREASINGLY INTEREST FOR VINTAGE IS ONLY A TREND OR SOMETHING HERE TO STAY?

It's here to stay!






7. IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE TO GO BACK IN TIME, WICH ERA AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?

Definitely the 1920's, the sequined and beaded flapper dresses are to die for. And the rise of a new kind of women was a sexy movement in itself.

8. DO YOU THINK VINTAGE IS A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SENSE OF NOSTALGIA PEOPLE (LIKE ME...) MAY HAVE FOR PAST DECADES THEY DIDN'T EVEN LIVE TROUGH?

Absolutely! Every piece has its own story, and in a way you are continuing that story when you choose to wear a piece. When I hunt for vintage, I look meticulously at every part of the fabric. Although it's disappointing when I find an iron singe mark on a piece that I want, but at the same time, I can't help but let out a giggle and think "Mrs. 1960s what were you day dreaming of?"






9. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR VINTAGE LOVERS AND COLLECTORS?

I get a lot of requests asking me if I have a similar piece to one that was already sold. The truth is I seldom see repeats, so if you see something you really love and it's within your budget, don't hesitate. Hmm...what else...Soaking your clothes in a little baking soda and water, gets rid of that old, mildewy smell even better than detergent.

Destination Cocosa

A new luxury experience is waiting just for you!
Be prepared to join Cocosa, the new exciting members-only e-commerce fashion site offering exclusive sales of designer brands at half the price.


The site's owned by Bauer Media, publisher of the uber stylish Grazia, among many other famous magazines so the site uniquely combines its sumptuous sales with leading fashion editorial, an exclusive coverage from fashion experts and wardrobe advice from the most respected fashion journalists, ensuring an experience normally reserved for the fashion insider.
Each selection of wonderful must have designers goodies, handpicked by Cocosa's experienced buyers and focused on one specific leading designer brand at a time, will be running for a limited period only (48 hours...Hurry! Hurry!) and offered only to the invited lucky customers.


The first sale is in 3 day times so if you're UK based (at the present only UK residents may purchase from Cocosa) be sure to get a pre-registration to the site using the special invitation code create just for The Cupcake Diary's readers: enter cupcake in the "I've Been Invited" section and become one of the founder members, the first to receive notifications of each new sale!


The brands registered so far for sales which start in 3 days time are: Mawi, Matthew Williamson, Christian Lacroix, Amanda Wakeley and PPQ. Don't miss them!

Follow Me On Bloglovin

I'm probably the last one, but I just joined Bloglovin', the the fashion oriented blog-reader that makes so easy to follow the incredible amount of wonderful blogs that are on my daily reads.
Subscribe to your favorite blogs in just one click and you'll get notified each time a new post is published. Seriously, it's so easy and not at all "boring" (you wont get a million different emails per day!)

Be sure to add The Cupcake Diary to your Bloglovin' list, just click on the icon below(or on the one in the side bar, same thing).

...And The Winner Is...

It's finally time for prizes!
First of all a huge thank you to everyone who entered the "contest" and left such sweet comments...31 super sweet comments! I'm blushing!!!

And the Alice Pleasance's Pink Two Tier Cake Ring goes to the commenter number:


Congratulations LORI! You don't have a public profile on blogger or a public email address, but I think you are a regular reader here, so I hope you'll read this post too! Please Lori, contact me sending your address at: anna.bluecherry@libero.it

It was so fun for me to set up a blog contest that there surely will be another one anytime soon, so...check back!

WWW Wanted!

You've probably saw this H&M Fall collection picture before...months ago hundreds of bloggers - me included - posted this and many others, dreaming of coats and tights in late Spring. Crazy, I know, but looking at the images there was definitely something to dream about...

My first thought was and still is "I want those booties", those - judjing by pictures - wonderful and perfect high heeled peep toe lace up ankle boots (how many adjectives...!).

I patiently waited for September, counting days and weeks and when September came I looked everywhere for the boots, but nothing. I also checked and keep checking my favorite blogs expecting to see the boots appear soon but at today I think they're still missing...
Anyone have seen them...? Do you know if they're available and how much they are?

Meanwhile, I also looked for similar ankle boots, but the only ones I like (and not equally...) are those from American Retro, available on ASOS but sadly a bit out of my price range...!


Help me please!!!!!

One

Hard to believe, The Cupcake Diary is one year old today and I think it's time for my first blog giveaway...

The prize is an Alice Pleasance Jewelry pink two tier cake ring, like the one shown in the photo below, my bestselling piece ever!


To enter the contest just leave a comment on this post. Winner will be announced on October 16th. Good luck!

More than this, after the Nine Question To... series I'm working on a new series of regular posts...I wouldn't tell you more for now, but I'll keep you updated and I hope to have soon some news.
Also, I'd love to hear suggestions from you...what you would like from The Cupcake Diary?

Nine Questions To Mousevox Vintage

I'm glad the idea of the Nine Questions To... series received a positive feedback from the readers! As promised today I'm here with a new wonderful vintage seller to interview (but all the girls are so nice it looks like a good chat with a friend than a real interview!).

This week is the turn of Rachel of Mousevox Vintage an Ebay boutique featuring a selection of fashion forward apparel from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.


What I like the most about this store is the great selection of so feminine yet so modern dresses Rachel hand pick every week. The blue tulip dress I wore here was bought from her some months ago. Just one word: adorable!

Mousevox Vintage can also be found on Myspace and on Mousevox Vintage Blog.

1. SO RACHEL, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH Mousevox Vintage?

Having been a collector of vintage and an inherent packrat for more than a decade, my collection of wares began to outgrow the space that I had. With at least 50 dresses in the "to be altered/re-constructed" pile in the guest bedroom of my old house, I finally realized that altering everything was probably not something I was ever going to get around to and decided to try selling a few pieces on eBay just to downsize. I never imagined how lucrative it would be! That was 2 1/2 years ago and, since then, MouseVox Vintage has become a full time job for me. In the past, MouseVox was ran out of my home and because of that it began to take over my entire space, but this past May I was able to move into my own studio. I have previous experience in the fashion industry as a runway model, but those days have since past and I'm delighted to be able to turn the focus on my true passion for fashion - vintage! On the side, I pick up free lance styling gigs, mostly working with musicians. My first styling job, working under reputable Nashville based photographer and friend Trey Mitchell, introduced me to this aspect of the fashion world. I love working directly with people one-on-one, which is not something you get to experience a lot of when selling exclusively online. Currently, I'm anticipating handling the wardrobe side of an independant film with shooting to be scheduled early next year!

2. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PIECE YOU'RE BUYING FOR THE STORE? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY YOUR PERSONAL TASTE?

Personal taste is my greatest influence when searching for inventory. I only buy items that are in excellent condition or that only need minimal repairs that I handle all before listing an item. I like to carry a variety of styles, as I myself like to experiment with different looks. I tend to dress according to my mood and don't like to confine myself to just one look. I always look for pieces that can be styled in a modern way, too.








3. IS NOT SAD AND "HEARTBREAKING" TO SELL A PIECE YOU LOVE, LETTING IT PASSES ON? AREN'T YOU TEMPTED TO KEEP ALL FOR YOURSELF?!

There have been a few pieces that I've been indecisive as to whether or not I should sell, but my rule is, "If I buy something that I want to keep and have it for a month without wearing it, it's time to let it go." I do sometimes wear pieces in my collection a few times and then have them cleaned and sell them when I grow tired of them. I like the idea of having a constantly rotating wardrobe! However, most of my personal collection was handed down to me by my grandmother. She was the same size as I and had all of her clothes tailored to fit her, so I inherented an amazing collection of vintage couture when she passed. Currently, I've been coveting this amazing Pucci neglige that I found over a year ago. I've never worn it and have been wanting to use it in an editorial shoot, but that's yet to happen. It's pretty amazing though, so I'm not sure I'll ever be able to let it go!

4. HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE IS VINTAGE?

Practically everything I wear is either vintage or handmade with the exception of most of my shoes. I do have an affinity for expensive denim and Betsey Johnson dresses, though. And I'm not at all ashamed to say that I'll pick up a cute piece from Target every once in awhile!

5. AND WHAT ABOUT CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS AND PERSONAL HOT SPOTS?

With Milan's fashion week just recently having ended, I've currently been drooling over Marni, Moschino & Missoni. I also absolutely LOVE Chloe. Basically anything pretty & feminine with vintage-esque silhouettes catches my eye. As for personal hotspots, I'm a serious thrift, second hand & antique store junkie. I love finding special pieces that I know noone else will have (one of the best perks of wearing vintage!). I don't tend to shop at a lot of the local vintage stores in Nashville since I love the hunt of searching through racks and racks and piles of clothing to find that diamond in the rough. Though, I'm really looking forward to the opening of Karen Elson's (wife of The White Stripe's Jack White) vintage boutique. Word on the street is, she has an unbelievable collection of vintage couture!

6. DO YOU THINK THE INCREASINGLY INTEREST FOR VINTAGE IS ONLY A TREND OR SOMETHING HERE TO STAY?

I hope it's here to stay! Not only is wearing vintage fashion forward, but it's also ecologically responsible. Buying second hand is a great way to reduce and reuse and be in style at the same time.

7. IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHINE TO GO BACK IN TIME, WICH ERA AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?

I would like to either go back to the 1920's or the 1960's. Not only were the wardrobes of these times unique & eye-catching, but they were also both very socially & politically liberating times.







8. DO YOU THINK VINTAGE IS A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SENSE OF NOSTALGIA PEOPLE (LIKE ME...) MAY HAVE FOR PAST DECADES THEY DIDN'T EVEN LIVE TROUGH?

Absolutely! I love the idea of having a historical wardrobe and like to imagine the stories behind certain pieces. That sense of nostalgia is very exciting for me.

9. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR VINTAGE LOVERS AND COLLECTORS?

The best advice I can give is to be true to yourself! If you feel comfortable in something and if you love a certain piece, that alone makes it fabulous is my books. As for collecting, I personally go vintage hunting at least 3-4 times a week and always stay on top of when estate sales are happening in the area. I also like to take day trips to different towns and search out the vintage to be found.

Thank you so much Rachel!
A new Nine Question post will come soon...stay tuned!