vintage girls then :: annie philippe

With the face of an angel,
Parisian-born
Annie Philippe
had some great little ditties on the hit parade
during the 1960‘s.

Even after singing lessons she managed to retain her trademark innocent vocal sound, and her music epitomises the chic french pop sound of the decade with it’s lo-fi production and British-influence.

Check out the clip for C’est La Mode – so awesome.

Images found on flickr and via other blogs.

PS. Did you walk / run or cycle to work today?  It’s World Carfree Day!

lens love :: 365

Day 77 of 365 Retro Shoot BTS



It’s not a very well known fact, but Andrew Günsberg, (also known as Andrew G from Channel V, Australian Idol etc.) leant us a helping hand when we were getting our beloved {twin set} off the ground.

Spending the day with us in Bondi Junction, he was the man behind the lens on our very first photo shoot.  A talented photographer, Andrew was also about a third of the way through a personal self-portrait project, for which he took that days’ photo during out shoot.

Uploading his daily photo to his flickr profile, enthusiasts and fans alike got to check out his photographic talents and have a peek into his life, while more personally Andrew will have a photo-journal record of an entire year.

Opening at Mart Gallery earlier this week, Andrew opened his first exhibition, which features every photo from the 365 project (although due to time line crossing there is actually 367).

The exhibition is open until September 25th, and part of the proceeds from the sale of photos goes to assist Lifeline. If you’re Sydney-side, you should go have a gander.

NB: Only one of the pieces that Andrew originally photographed for {twin set} is still in store, see The Anne above.

because we love :: tall cakes + flags


I think that tiny handmade flags are a completely compulsory addition to any cake.

get yourself some right here


image credit :: Herriott Grace (1-2) :: Tabitha Emma (3).

{twin set} :: slow magazine

So…excuse the self-congratulation, but Renee and I are in the latest Slow Magazine talking about our beloved {twin set} and our passion for promoting eco-dressing.  Wow, right?

Have you seen Slow Magazine before?  It’s one year old with this issue and it’s a mag with a heart and an ethos about slowing down.  You know, taking the time to  appreciate the little things, having quality food and just enjoying life in general at a smarter, more measured pace.

We had our photo taken by the lovely Brendan and were interviewed by the sweet Lauren, and have been included in part of an article and editorial on vintage fashion.  You’ll even see some of our lovely garments in a fashion editorial which was shot in Victoria.

We’re chuffed we are!  If you have found us through the article, and you’re looking for something in the shop you can’t find, never fear.  We simply haven’t had an opportunity as yet to take some piccies of the  newer clothes so if you are interested in finding out more about the garments let us know.  Some are already in store, but otherwise stay tuned!

Thanks to Jacqui from Slow Magazine for sending the love our way, and for Vanessa for making sure we had our faces on!

eco life :: lower your carbon pawprint

So now that we’ve got your attention with some super cute images of puppies, we move onto the much less attractive topic of dog poo.

Did you know that in Victoria alone over 900,000 dogs produce over 90 tonnes of dog waste each day (approximate numbers)?  Some droppings can contain harmful bacteria and nutrients, and can unfortunately end up washing into natural waterways through the stormwater system, to the potential detriment of eco-systems and marine life.

One report from 1992 suggested that deposits of 500,000 kilograms of dog faeces are equivalent to having an additional four million people in the environment.  Yikes.

So whilst we love rescuing neglected puppies and saving unwanted dogs, it’s socially and environmentally responsible to take the matter of cleaning up after them very seriously.  Yes, picking up after your dog in public places is vital, but then what?

You can start by using eco-friendly bags to ensure that when they are disposed of it’s in an environmentally kind and biodegradable way.  There are also eco ways to decompose the waste simply and effectively.

You can try using a purpose-built worm farm, use a bokashi style compost system or you can set up an in-ground bin in the yard which turns pet waste into a harmless, odourless liquid.

Make sure you don’t let the joy of having a dog be undermined by their potential impact on the environment.  Invest a little now to ensure the best for all in the future.

All images above found on flickr.

one :: two
three :: four
five :: six
seven :: eight

what’s on :: fifties fair

Lovers of all things 1950′s will no doubt already know that it’s time to gather this Sunday August 29th at Rose Seidler House for the annual Fifties Fair.

Featuring live music, swing dancing, DJ’s, a display of vintage vehicles, hair styling and kids craft activities, there’s something to keep everyone entertained on this awesome day out.

Make sure you’re primped and preened in your finest threads to enter the best dressed awards, and check out the competition, or take some cash to check out the stalls featuring collectibles, homewares, jewellery, clothing, furniture from specialist dealers and collectors.

All of this in the environs of the modernist masterpiece that is Rose Seidler House!  Designed and built by Harry Seidler, the open minimalist plan and features are such a fine example of the time, that of course it’s a trust building.  Make sure you take a tour of the house while you’re at the fair if you love the Mondrian-meets-Bauhaus feel of Australian modernist architecture.

Our tips :: Since it gets extremely busy, and the queues for entry are long (also cos it’s in a suburban area with limited parking) we suggest either getting there early or taking the train to Turramurra station and jumping on one of the free shuttle buses to the fair.

Head to the Historic Houses Trust web site for more information.

Have fun.  Daddy-O.

Image above from the HHT web site.

{twin set} :: Primary Class Goodness!




three things.
1. I don’t think we actually blogged the Primary Class release in full?  did we?  oh my.
2. Mad Men ‘lady’ goodness?  yes please.
3. one, two three!  go!

eco life :: SWEETNESS The Patisserie

you know how sometimes people, who you don’t really know, just make you feel good about yourself, just by being them?   Gena Karpf, founder of SWEETNESS The Patisserie is one of those people.  Ok, maybe it has something to do with the fact that she makes the most DELICIOUS treats of all time, but seriously, this lady is completely awesome.

Until now, I actually had no idea how truly awesome Gena was.  For a few years now I have been visiting the SWEETNESS stall at my local farmers market, always making sure I had some pennies saved to stock up on the amazing treats.   I am talking the best marshmallows you have ever tasted.   forget those rubbish processed packet ones.  the BEST muffins (gluten free! yipee!) you have ever ever ever tasted.  and macarons….. need I say more?  No, but I will.  Local, fresh, organic ingredients.  NOTHING NASTY.  See?  Awesome.

Anyway, it has been the lovely Gena who has served me all this time, with a smiling face and always happy to see me, even remembering my name!  And all this time I just thought… well I don’t know what I thought really.   Just how lovely she is.  But of course!  Gena is the founder of the amazing brand of sweet goodness and is so passionate about her fantastic eco business.  So inspirational, especially for me, for us, who are striving to make things work in our small and eco community.

I strongly suggest that you stop what you are doing (immediately) and get yourself to SWEETNESS The Patisserie in Epping, or at least mark your diaries for the next farmers market where they have a stall. Alternatively (!!!) you can actually order by email.  yes people.  SWEET TREATS delivered right to your door.  go on.  order one of everything. honestly, it is just that good.

SWEETNESS The Patisserie
38 Oxford St
Epping NSW 2121
Open Monday-Saturday

or at the following farmers markets
Good Living Growers Market in Pyrmont :: Epping Twilight Markets :: Castle Hill Farmers Market :: Northside Produce Market in North Sydney :: Eveleigh Farmers Market in Darlington

images from SWEETNESS The Patisserie website :: layout by renee anne

because we love :: tabitha emma




oh yes. there are many many reasons that we love tabitha emma. her amazing graphic design skills, her super artistic skills, not to mention her sweet and nice person skills. but today, we love these absolutely gorgeous-handmadey-vintagey-styled brooches and purses, now available at leeloo.com.au. too cute!

be cultured :: nicholas brothers

If you’ve never wanted to tap dance you will after seeing this.  Truly amazing performance from the legendary Nicholas Brothers who pioneered the Hollywood tap routine.

It’s no wonder that Fred Astaire once called this performance “the greatest dance number ever filmed.”