Sewing a Christmas Dress

With all the upcoming Christmas functions I decided I wanted a Christmassy dress! I had a bit of a hunt around online as, of course, I wanted something a bit retro, but couldn't find anything that I loved.
It was my husband that suggested I make something...
Now, I haven't made anything since high school, except a couple of cushion covers. And I started a dress last year, but I lost my motivation. This time, however, I was motivated with a date looming of just over a week.

So, I chose some funky fabric.

 

And a pattern (nice and simple)

And got to work.

Whenever I wasn't sure what a term used in the instructions meant or had to do something like insert a zip, I used good old Doctor Google to help out. There are some really helpful people out there putting up video tips - thank you.

When I could see it was coming together, I decided to add a contrasting bow and make a matching headband.

And here is the finished outfit!

So now to look for a dressmaking course I think, so I can move onto something more complicated.

Friday Photo

Friday Photo

Photo  by Whiskey and Rye Photography

Do I look cool, calm and collected? It was actually over 40 degrees (100 F) on this day! I must remember to plan all my latex shoots in the cooler months!

How to overcome your nerves and fears when having a photoshoot.

We have a lot of ladies that say "I'm nervous" or "I've never done this before" when they visit us for a photoshoot.
First of all, let me say that this is quite normal. It's not unusual to feel anxious or nervous when you are doing something for the first time and it can even be a good thing. Nerves can help you focus on what's important and when you are done you will feel a great sense of achievement!

You should ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable before the shoot, so that you know what to expect.
 - Who will be there?
 - What should I bring?
 - Will someone help me with posing?

I like to make sure the client has all the information she needs beforehand. Don't feel like any question is a silly one!
You can also check out my "How to prepare for your photoshoot" article for more information.

Here are some common concerns people have;

"I don't know how to pose."

I don't expect you to, and that's why I am here!
I really enjoy helping ladies with their poses and giving advice on how to use props and seeing the wonderful pictures that are the results of our work together. I like to know beforehand what your ideas are and I do a lot of research to find poses that will suit you, your outfit and your theme.



Assisting with posing ideas.

"I need to lose some weight."

It seems there are many women that are unhappy with their bodies, even professional models. We are here to show you in your best light and know the best lighting, posing and angles that will flatter you. And any pictures you are not happy with can easily be deleted!

"Do you use Photoshop?"

Make sure you discuss this with your photographer so that you are comfortable with the level of retouching that will be done. We like to use retouching to make you look like you at your best, but any degree of 'Hollywood enhancements' are possible - just ask!

"Does boudoir mean I have to go nude?/I'm not sure if I want to go nude?"

Boudoir is French for a lady's private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. Boudoir photography aims to create an erotic or semi-nude portrait where the nudity is generally implied rather than explicit. It is totally up to you what you choose to reveal.

Boudoir style photoshoot

You can have some fun with 'implied' nudity, where placement of props, fabric or limbs hides the fact that you are actually still wearing your underwear/swimwear.

'Implied' nudity!

If you decide you want to try this, make sure you are comfortable with the photographer and know who else will be there. At Whiskey & Rye I am always there to assist with posing and to help you feel comfortable.

I hope this has answered some of your questions. If you have any others, please let me know.

Personal style and confidence

I wanted to talk about personal style and reactions of others. I am saddened to hear stories from a number of ladies - pinups and those who chose to dress in other styles - of rude or cruel reactions from others. I don't expect these sorts of reactions and I have never gotten them.

Quite often I will receive positive comments about some aspect of my attire as I go about my regular, daily activities - maybe my dress or hat or jewellery. Even in my local pub a lady rushed up to me asking where I got my handbag from as she wanted to get one just like it for her daughter.

The 'must have' handbag!

My style also makes me memorable! At a recent work related seminar the photographer snapped a picture of me and told me how she loved my style and remembered me from the previous year as my outfits were always lovely.

On the cover of a seminar brochure.

My work colleagues are also positive about my vintage/retro style. A couple of my insterstate colleagues have even saved newspaper clippings about vintage/retro stores and events I might be interested in.

Photographers are also keen to snap me and hubby when we are out on the town!

Here I am with my husband - notice how we got more than just a headshot!

Your style can be a great way for people to connect with you and begin a conversation. This happened recently at a travel writing course that I am attending. A lady who noticed my attire thought I might be interested in a photographer she knew of from New York - Ari Seth Cohen - who photographs 'stylish and creative older folks'. The following week she even brought in a copy of one of his books for me to look at! Now I am following his work and it is really inspirational.

So, if you think you will stand out by choosing to wear your own style - you will! Wear it with confidence and a smile and look for the positives and hopefully you will be lucky like me!

What are your experiences? I'd love to hear about them.

Adventures with Makeup

Last week I was lucky enough to be able to attend three full days of workshops with Jos Brands for Kryolan Professional Makeup.
Jos has been creating and teaching makeup artistry for many years and he is such an inspiration as he is so passionate about makeup and sharing his knowledge. You can see some of his work on his website.

Day One

The first day was dedicated to bodypainting. This is something I have not done before but wanted to find out what was involved. I like to take an opportunity to learn something new, or at least try something out to see if I want to pursue it, as I recently discussed on my post about stretching.

First up, we saw a runway show demonstrating some of the different techniques and products available, then Jos gave us some demonstrations. In the afternoon we had a chance to play with the products on live models, which was a great opportunity to try out different techniques such as airbrushing and freehand painting. Kryolan have some amazing products including a new body paint which will not rub off onto fabric, so can be worn under clothes as you can see in the above picture of the model with the jacket.
This experience has inspired me to find out more about this artform as a creative medium, as the limits are really just your imagination!

Here I am with our model.

Day Two

The focus of day two was Avante Garde and Editorial makeup. Again we were treated to a runway show illustrating different techniques and products.

Jos did a demonstration of airbrush makeup and shared a lot of useful information on the theory behind the latest high definition makeup.

Again we had an opportunity to experiment with the products, and here is a pic of me and my lovely model.

Day Three

Day three was special effects makeup! The effects demonstrated on this day were amazing as you can see! So many different techniques and products are available to achieve theatrical and realistic looking wounds.

The highlight of the day was when I was a model for Jos for the demonstration of a blister. The effect was so real, even close up.

I wanted to try to create a bruise, and think it was not too bad for my first attempt!

With Halloween just around the corner, keep an eye out and you might spot some of these techniques in some upcoming photos! Do you have any suggestions for something you would like to see?

Friday Photo

It's important to choose appropriate props for your shoot, but they should complement the model, not dominate the picture.

How To Choose the Right Photographer For You

There are a lot of people out there calling themselves photographer's these days, and while I don't necessarily think everyone has to have a degree or X years of experience to be good, you should be selective in your choice and do your research. Here are a few points to consider when choosing a photographer.

Environment

Whatever style you are looking to create, whether it is cheeky pinup, sexy boudoir or some other retro or vintage style, you will want to feel comfortable. The photographer and/or assistant should help you to feel at ease and give you some direction as to how to pose to achieve the look you are aiming for. How long do you have in front of the camera? Is there a female on hand to assist? My advice is to talk to them beforehand to develop your idea. As well, you should talk to friends who have used the photographer's services or seek out other's recommendations.

Hair and Makeup

Generally the photographer should be able to arrange this for you. Alternatively, if you are confident to do it yourself (maybe you are a makeup artist!) this should be reflected in the price. Again, it is a good idea to discuss your ideas beforehand to make sure they can be achieved. As with choosing a photographer, have a look at the work of the makeup artist/hair stylist. Again, they do not necessarily have to have a certain qualification, but you should take a good look at their work and see if you would be happy with that look.

Editing and Retouching

Have a look at the photographer's work. Are they able to create the look and feel you are after?
Editing generally refers to selection of the best images and may include some colour adjustment and cropping. Do you get to choose the images (with advice from the photographer if needed) or will the photographer choose them for you?
Retouching is the digital manipulation of the images and can range from slight to major. You should discuss with the photographer to determine what level of retouching you are happy with. Generally skin smoothing and smoothing out of any bulges (such as bra overhang) enhance the picture while not making you appear drastically different.

Styling

Do you need any assistance with choosing your outfit, accessories or props? Again it's best to thoroughly work through your idea beforehand and determine if the photographer can create it.

What do you get?

Make sure to ask what you will get for your money. Will you only get low-resolution images suitable for sharing on Facebook? Will you get high resolution images that will allow you to print off pictures yourself? And most importantly what about copyright of the images? Will the photographer give you permission to submit them for publication? Or even share them on Facebook?

In summary, do your research and ask questions. And let me know if you have any tips to add!

Friday Photo

Photo by Whiskey & Rye Photography

Different angles add interest!
At Whiskey and Rye Photography we like to look at things from a different perspective.

Pretty Things - Bakelite

Vintage Bakelite Bangles from Brighter Bakelite

I LOVE bakelite bangles! I love the colours and I especially love the sound they make when they tap against each other!

But what is bakelite?
One of the first plastics made from synthetic components, Bakelite was used for its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, and children's toys. It was developed by Belgian-born chemist Leo Baekeland in New York in 1907.

Here are some snippets about bakelite jewellery from About.com
- Butterscotch and pea green are the most common and, generally, the least expensive colors.
- 
- Heavily carved bangles, bangles with polka dots or multiple colors laminated together, and figural pins are among the most expensive items sought by Bakelite collector's today.
- Bakelite can be tested for authenticity by feel, sight, sound and smell.

Due to the popularity of vintage bakelite, there are unfortunately other plastics being passed off as bakelite - sometimes referred to as 'Fakelite' by those in the know! During my research I found quite a number of 'tests' to determine if something really is make of bakelite, and have included a couple here.

MOST ACCURATE: The Hot Water Test
The best test is to run the piece under hot tap water.
If it smells a little like your old high school chemistry lab (formaldehyde), it's Bakelite.
If it smells like vicks vapo-rub (camphor), it's Celluloid.
If it smells like burnt milk, it's Galalith (1920's).
If it smells clean, or like nothing at all, it's lucite or acrylic.

The Simichrome Test
Carry a tube of Simichrome chrome cleaner (available at flea markets, some hardware stores, and Pep Boys) and a few Q-tips with you. Put a very small amount of Simichrome on the Q-tip. With the dealer's permission, rub a tiny (1/4") spot on an unobtrusive place of the jewelry with the Q-tip. Then look at the Q-tip. If the polish changes color from pink to amber-yellow, it's Bakelite. If it stays pink, it's some other plastic. Remember to wipe the polish off the jewelry when you're done!
Note: This is not always an accurate test. Some pieces of black Bakelite do not turn the Simichrome from pink to yellow, even though they're Bakelite.

Do you have any favourite pieces of bakelite jewellery? I'd love to hear about them if you do!

 

Hollywood Costume Exhibition

Last week I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne and have a bit of spare time to visit the Hollywood Costume Exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

The exhibition doesn't just bring together a fabulous collection of costumes from film from a period of 100 years, but illustrates the costume designer's creative process from script to screen.

It was amazing to see costumes worn by Marilyn Munroe, Liz Taylor, Ginger Rogers, Hedy Lamarr and Audrey Hepburn.

Costume for Liza Elliot (Ginger Rogers) in Lady in the Dark, 1944

Many of the costumes were displayed in an interesting way with the mannequins having monitors for heads which played a loop of video of the actor's face.

There were the iconic costumes such as the green velvet curtain dress from Gone With the Wind, Marilyn Munroe's subway grate dress from The Seven Year Itch and Dorothy's gingham dress from The Wizard of Oz.

There were also costumes from more recent movies such as Spiderman, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hunger Games and The Great Gatsby.

Costumes from the Great Gatsby

Interviews with stars, directors and designers provided more detailed background for some costumes such as the green suit worn by Tippi Hedren in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds and Daniel Day-Lewis' Bill the Butcher costume from Gangs of New York - both movies that I have seen recently.

Costume for Tippi Hedren in The Birds

There was a spotlight on Meryl Streep and her many transformations in the movies including Out of Africa, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Iron Lady.

Basically, the exhibition had to be seen to be believed! So if you get a chance, get along to it.

Now I am looking forward to seeing the James Bond exhibition coming to the Melbourne Museum later this year.

Book review - Vintage Beauty Parlor

Vintage Beauty Parlor

by Hannah Wing
Photography by Penny Wincer

This book provides instructions on how to achieve "flawless hair and  make-up in iconic vintage styles" from the 1920s to the 1980s.
The book starts with a timeline of key trends through the decades, followed by some basic hair and makeup techniques. Methods for achieving the vintage hair looks using modern tools are used throughout the book. 

The instructions seem detailed enough to follow and are accompanied by step by step pictures. 

The makeup directions contain a similar level of detail and tend to focus on one aspect of the look that is unique to the era, such as 1920s Cupid's bow lips or 1950s rockabilly bold eyeliner.
Most of the hairstyles I have seen covered before in other books, but the modern mohawk look (which is achieved without shaving the head!) I found pretty unique.

One thing I really like about this book is the section entitled "Accessorizing this look" that appears with each era. It describes the perfect accessories, such as gloves, bags and jewellery to complete your look. I think this is really important as some overlook these small, but vital, finishing touches that can make the difference between an ok outfit and a stunning one.

If you have a favourite vintage styling book, let me know, as I'm always on the lookout to add some new inspiration to my library.