Jazz Picnic at Old Government House

I haven’t managed to get out to many events this year, in cosplay or historical, but when I saw that Jazz Age Picnic was being held at old government house in Brisbane, I knew that I had to attend. I gathered up my re-enactment group (and my mum) and we organised a venture out in our 1920s finery. The day turned out to be beautifully sunny and warm (not strange for Brisbane winter). We all turned up and spread out our picnic rugs, laying out our sweets and savoury picnic treats and pulling out the teapot. I do somewhat regret dragging in my teapot – the next day my arms were very sore from lugging it from the car to the venue.

I had originally planned to wear something existing in my wardrobe, but as I was on two weeks of annual leave, I decided that I would whip up something new to wear. The Tuesday before the event, I was sorting through my fabric stash to find some fabric and browsing the internet for inspiration. I picked an original tartan dress to try and re-create. I drafted up the pattern, did a quick mock up and made some pattern changes before cutting out my fabrics. I thankfully had the perfect assortment of fabrics to get the look I wanted. A day at the sewing machine, and couple evenings of hand-sewing and I had my outfit ready. It’s made of a wool blend grey plaid with a red stripe, and trimmed with red linen. I added red velveteen trimmings in the form of a belt and necktie to finish off the look. I love the masculine suit influence in the design which is so typical of the era.

All in all it was a lovely event and I am glad that I made the effort to attend.

There was also a photo booth on site that we got to play with for free...

    

Party by the pool

It wasn’t long before the Christmas parties started. The first costumed one that I attended / hosted as for my re-enactment group RIFF. This year we decided to have a retro themed pool party – making use of the pool at my place. We all brought along a number of vintage dishes to share and of course had more food than you could poke a stick at. In fact, the food was so impressive, I think that’s pretty much the photos that I took of the day.

I didn’t make anything new to wear for the occasion, but simply raided my wardrobe which is mostly vintage pattern clothing and paired my green capri pants with my retro cherry swimsuit and a short cardigan. I did festive it up a bit with a lei and the grass skirt that my mum had in her wardrobe. But the real showstoppers that I put all my effort into was the food. I made empanadas, punch, a sandwich loaf (3 layers of sandwich – egg, chicken and salmon), and a strawberry cheesecake. I certainly did not need dinner that night after snacking on our delicious retro recipes all afternoon.

It was certainly a start to the festive season and it was great to have so many of our members there with us.

Starting the year in the 1960s

The costuming starts early around here. :)

Already this year, I have attended my very first dress-up event: a vintage afternoon tea for the birthday of my cousin trinnyt. She invited a number of family and friends into her home for an afternoon of edible delicacies, tea and good company.

Each place was set with a teacup set and small plate. The tables were set with milk, sugar, cream and decorated with roses. I think the hi-light of the day was the champagne cake with a champagne italian meringue frosting, which due to my corn intolerance was unable to try. *sad panda* however there were plenty of other delicious choices available. My favourite of the day was sitting down to a cup of apple crumble tea. I have to admit I do love blended teas and have quite the collection myself.

For the occasion I decided to dress in my only original vintage dress (which I unfortunately didn't get a full photo of). It's a pastel pink 1960s georgette piece with full permanent pleating. I love it, and I even more the fact that I was able to find an original piece that actually fits me. A miracle in and of itself, surely. So, to match it up, I styled my hair in a beehive. And funnily enough, my good friend Miss Diana Daring had also 60'd it up for the day. She walked in the door, and we both just looked at each other and giggled. Great minds think alike!

Disco Fever Time

Last weekend I attend the birthday party for a good friend of mine. She had decided to host a 70s party. Complete with cocktail food, disco lights and a juke box. There were some amazing outfits dragged out from a full safari suit, a builder, disco girls, hippie girls and some of the tackiest pieces that we could all find.

The cocktail food was fabulous, and included both cheese fondue and chocolate fondue. Strawberries dipped in chocolate was my favourite choice of the evening.

As for my outfit, I whipped up a shorts jumpsuit that I had cutout in my sewing cupboard. It's a modern pattern but very much in the style of some 70s outfits. I topped it all off with some massive platform shoes, belt, big hoop earrings and the piece de resistance - a curly afro wig. The wig really threw a couple of my friends - they didn't recognise me. I loved it! And I had a real blast. I kinda want to dress up in 70s disco more often.

And thanks to the lovely ainead for some of the photos.