Vintage Hunt

If you are my friend from Facebook, you would know that I planned a vintage hunt trip for the girls during this Easter holiday. I have been cruising through the days as if I am on vacation - which I shouldn't be doing - so it took me a few days to edit and finally upload the pretty pictures we took along the way.

I had always wanted to go sniff around in Christchurch city centre since last year but the only time I could actually go roam around the streets were Sunday afternoons after church ends when all the shops are closed - sad face. But our university's weekly magazine ('Canta') published a feature on vintage shopping just a few weeks ago and listed some of the most amazing shops and I was just so tempted to go. So after gaining a year of experience bus-ing and reading actual maps and finding the right addresses, I gathered a group of ladies and we head off for an adventure.



2nd Edition - not really a vintage store but it is a secondhand bookstore in the city where we passed by. Special thanks to Esther for showing us this beautiful little hidden shop in the alley. The owner is a chic lady with great concepts and really modest when it comes to compliments. Her shop is just gorgeous and stocked with art and wonderful books. I love how it is not overwhelmingly big and the place smelled nice, unlike most old secondhand bookstores on the main streets.

The owner gave me a slip of paper with her shop details when I bought Sophie Kinsella's 'Remember Me' ($6!). It says "2nd Edition Art & Quality pre-loved books (bought and sold) 22 Poplar Street Christchurch City Centre 03 379 3501". So here you go, if you are in Christchurch and is planning a vintage shopping trip, take a detour to this little shop, I'm sure you'll adore it!

Etcetera - it was featured in 'Canta' magazine. This the the first shop that we went into on the trip. It was not exactly what I imagine it would be but definitely a good starting point for the trip. Etcetera smelled like coffee (because they sell coffee at the corner of the store) and is filled with militaria antiques from the Second World War. I could not help but stare at the military jackets and the stained flag in awe. Then there was some impressive pieces like this old Hollywood styled dress. It was as if I just walked into Catherine Zeta-Jones' "Chicago" wardrobe. Gasp!

The ladies took a picture with the hat collections in Etcetera. I love Rebecca's hat!

Above: This is my favourite alley way in the city, where they hang vintage bicycles on the walls. I accidentally walked into this back-lane last year and took a few pictures of it and thought that it would be cool if I can show it to somebody, and I finally did! :) And we found the car that was up on the walls opposite this one. Yes, a VW mini cooper.

Above: Tête-à-tête on Hereford Street, our last stop of the day. The owner is a darling lady who has good taste on vintage things. I bought the most beautiful little wool cardigan I have ever seen here! It fitted so well! It was a 100% wool (warmth!) cream coloured knitted cropped cardi with metal buttons. Just typing the description of it gives my shopaholic heart a jolt!

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Other than that, we went to Lin's at (71, Kilmore Street) for Dim Sum lunch. It was amazing! All the girls were satisfied and happy when we left. Yummy custard desserts~

And I leave the best for the last, Gertie's Vintage Clothing on High Street was epic! They had lovely coats hanging on the racks and gloves in a vintage briefcase! I found the tiniest fur jacket that no kiwis would fit (Yooyah Asian Size!) and I am just thankful that people from 10 20 years ago are 2 sizes smaller than the modern homo sapiens. Some pieces are over-priced though I would say, but Gertie's do have the most amazing collection of vintage clothing I've ever seen so far.

featured in this post: Esther from 凹凸.

On the street: Milan

Regretfully, this is what I call a lazy post. Although they are inspiring and amazing, I have to say, I tend to do posts like these when I am busy and have no mood for a decent outfit post/better researched posts.

Anyhow, these ladies are amazing. Look at lady #1! The skirt convince me that sheer is totally chic! And to top that the tights matches the outfit like they are meant to be together for life. I just love how she wears a simple t-shirt and leather jacket to tone down the mod-ness of the bottom. This is what I label as fashion genius, the serendipity kind of ensemble that is simply chic and inspiring.

Lady #2 had on this edgy black "cold shoulder" blazer that literally screams out. That is one gorgeous piece that I would not consider wearing. So I have to put it in the category of "to be awed at". But I have to say, isn't her skirt just intriguing? Not only that it is high waisted and in the right colour, the textured coil on it is just pure individualism.

Lady #3 and Lady #4 are just direct opposite of each other, one with cute head-dress and the other with geek glasses - but both wearing the (almost) identical shoes! They are the perfect outfit shots to show how we can achieve different looks with the same pair of shoes. Flared coat for a girly look or checked pants and manly jumper for that town chic look. Delightful!

Even though lady#5 did not stand out when I first lay my eyes on the photo, I do like how she wears her denim vest. I had been contemplating whether a denim vest can qualify as a wardrobe staple and this photo is just making the decision harder. She look so 90's in a good way, with black lace, black laced-up boots and denim vest over zipper top. She just look so comfortably out of time.

The last lady #6, hmm... she made me feel like studding my black trench. If she is wearing that trench minus the studs, it would not be nice at all, would it? Ah, how studs can spice things up.

Sometimes I do wish we have more interesting fashion people walking around in Christchurch. Walking in the city without running into any fashionably dressed person is just not natural, don't you think?

Lust for Bags and Shoes

Miu Miu shoes Spring/Summer 2010

source: The Girl in The Check Scarf

Louis Vuitton hand bag

......

What else is there to say but endeavour the pain. I am saving for my trip to the States to visit my dear brother end of this year. I will save. Keep my eyes on the prize, like what good old Jerry said when he was half-drunk the other day.

Last Day Of School

I was just thinking about going hiatus for Eve's Eden after coming back from the retreat from Mount Hutt. Then came the long waited and well-deserved Easter holiday! This Chambray shirt finally arrived at our doorsteps yesterday. I was quite doubtful about getting it at first but it was the only item that is vintage-likable and affordable so I placed my bid half hoping that I would be outbid. But guess what, nobody bidded after me!

Anyway, I have been reading The Sartorialist's blog faithfully lately, and decided that this outfit would be cool to put together. :) I am sorry I couldn't write more in this blog but I am rushing for a dance party with the girls! More updates soon? Maybe?

Happy Easter Holidays!


outfit:
Mango Bucket Bag,
Glassons Pencil Skirt,
Vintage Chambray Shirt,
Brown Brogues,
Fred Flare Red Wayfarer.

Spring's Wish List

Alright, we are not going to get Spring whether till next year but a girl can dream, right? Seeing floral prints, sailor dresses and wooden clogs brings (good) chills all the way to my heart. So I will, enjoy Spring that is not mine.



From land to land; and in my breast;
Spring wakens too: and my regret
Become an April violet,
And buds and blossoms like the rest.

- Lord Alfred Tennyson on Spring

- Eve's Eden -

Inspiration Blogs for March

one. Blushing Ambition;
two. The Cherry Blossom Girl;
three. Leproust Vintage;
four. Sacaton June;
five. Blooming Leopold Vintage;
six. Vint Junky;
seven. Calivintage;
eight. A Thought Is The Blossom;

It has been a while since I did an editorial post, so behold the links round up of these inspiring blogs of March. As the weather is finally turning decent for northerners, the weather down south had certainly took a sharp turn to the bad side. We have been having windy, cold wet days.

So I look to these pretty ladies for inspiration. These are some tips that I gathered:

One. Get an oversize knit jumper to keep you warm. Put it over dresses/top and you will feel warm enough to wear open-toed shoes.

Two. If that doesn't work, put on a pair of plain white socks or some tights. They go so well with brogues, pumps and even clogs!

Three. Lace is in and floral prints stay. These material brings a softer edge to your outfits and they are just the thing we need to add a twist to boring colours.

Four. Alter that dress! Check out the links above and you will see that most successful bloggers can at least do a bit of alterations or DIY. Thrifting may be the best way to recover pieces from the past but they usually don't fit perfectly. Go with what your heart tells you. Whether it is to chop off the sleeves or to shorten the hem, they will be pretty by the time you are done.

So ladies, may you be pretty through all the seasons of the year. As Tim Gunn says, "make it work,". Wink.

Catholic School Girl

That is what came to my mind when I put together this outfit. A dark coloured floral skirt with a crisp white shirt and a knit jumper, what else do you need to look like a Catholic school girl?

Anyhow, I didn't know what happened this morning, it was as if tireness hit me like a train. I could barely wake up bubbly and all ready to go like usual. Then I forgot my bicycle helmet. I was almost at uni until I crossed path with another girl without a helmet then my brain told me something's missing with that girl, it clicked, and I almost fell off my bike. So I ended up walking to uni with my bike. The good thing is I ran into Nicola on the way, we chatted while walking so it lessen the awkwardness of me pushing the bike.

My day ended (almost) more orderly than it started.

Just another short note, this skirt make me miss mom... who bought it for me. I love you mom, if you ever read this. :)

Didi Benami

Ohh yes I am a sucker for American Idol. My sister and I watch it almost religiously every week and I have to say, the girls this season are amazing! Didi Benami is definitely one of my favourites! And Siobhan Magnus because she sang Think and hit the jaw-dropping note.

I am just glad that this season's participants are more individualistic than ever! Woot for personality!

Happy Birthday, Ian!

Today is my beloved brother's birthday! Happy Birthday Kor Kor! Blessings to you, may you have an amazing 23rd birthday and a wonderful year ahead.

Lots of love,

Eva

Latest Member of the Family

Following the last mail day, it took approximately one week for my other mailed things to arrive today. Despite my various attempt to go easy on the shopping, I bought this lomgraphy Holga 120N last week. The package includes the camera, the flash, camera bag and two rolls of film. They practically greeted me with a smile when I arrive home today, just in time for out big photoshoot outing tomorrow!

We had been having a few cold days in a row, today's almost-warm weather is precious. I finally get to wear the coat that mommy gave me, with my new thrifted top. The best part is that this outfit is actually all comfy and didn't overheat me a bit biking to uni. Oh and Olivia and I went for a lil' grocery shopping and got some bubble tea (yum!). Then we spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out in Shelly Common Room eating Chinese yummies and chatting.

Hmm...I am just so excited about tomorrow's shoot! I guess I better go get some shut-eye soon. Tomorrow's going to be a long day, with the shoot then the barbeque and Euving and Rebecca's engagement party. Toodles my beloved readers! Wish you guys a happy happy weekend. :)

Smile!

The newest member to our camera family! Lomography's Holga 120N

The whole package!

Outfit today:

Black and white printed top - thrifted

Denim shorts - Glassons

Coat - Esprit (mom's)

Vintage buckle shoes - Andrea Renzi