Dreams really do come true....

I had the absolute pleasure of styling a {Somewhere over the rainbow} party this week.  With classic blue gingham, splashes of yellow, tins and flowers the young guests felt like they had landed in Oz..... 

Miss C, now 6, just loves the classic tale, Wizard of Oz.  Her busy working mum had already sent out adorable invitations when she approached me to help her bring her ideas together. 

Beautiful fresh Sunflowers, baby daisies & wheat stems completed the feel of the theme

The Munchkins {aka guests} lined the sides of the yellow brick road, enjoying a scrumptious roadside picnic, to catch a glimpse of the Emerald Cities travellers in their hot air balloon -   {I will be honest, this balloon concept almost did my head in!  I had no idea how it was going to work...but after a few tantrums, releasing a scream or two & many hours of playing around I have to say it didn't turn out too bad after all}

Aren't the Barbie Character dolls the client provided adorable!

Children had a lovely homemade lunchtime meal consisting of a chicken salad wrap,  raspberry jam heart sandwich  & a tub of freshly prepared fruit salad.   {Need I say,  it all went down a treat!!}

Pails of sweets lined the table centre for them to sneak in a few treats as well

I was able to use the clients purchased clip art to make cute fruit picks for the table setting

The yellow brick road led down to a delectable table of refreshments for the adults attending the soiree.  A lovely assortment of foods {Finger sandwiches, Cheese platters, Fresh fruit, & these scrumptious jars with layers of yogurt, compote & topped with a sweet pastry puff} prepared by the client & her sister kept everyone more than satisfied & heading back for seconds! 

A self help beverage bar with drink dispensers offered refreshing iced water, homemade punch & the yummiest old fashioned lemonade I have ever had!

As the afternoon drew to an end the buffet was reset with thank you gifts, deserts & a very sweet birthday cake made by the GOHs clever mum....Dorothy's house atop the Witch of the East with little munchkins looking on.

Guests were thanked for their attendance of the celebration with little tin pails containing a rainbow of colour pencils, a rainbow paper pad, sweet treats, a custom made bookmark & much to their delight a crunchy homemade mini toffee apple.

Famous Lyrics from  the song written by E Y Harburg featured on the table - {I loved how so many people at the park stopped to read the words as they passed by  & went on their way humming to themselves!}

Another perfect Queensland winters day + a dreamy party at the park + gorgeous little guests = Success, because most importantly everyone had a great day!

If you would like inspiration or help in creating a fabulous soiree of your own,

you can  contact me about Whimsy Petites event styling services,

party packs or inspiration boards.

Til next time, have fun!!

Tash

....I'm just a girl

Is it any wonder vintage fashion is yet again doing the rounds?  The styling of bygone years was so good at flattering female curves and, lets be honest, we are not all slender size 6 models who can make a potato sack look good, curves are something most women have!
For lovers of womanly curves, the nipped-in waists and figure-hugging shapes of the 40's and 50's styles, offer a wake-up call to the female form – reason enough for curvy girls to celebrate and head for their nearest boutique!


Not only to they look great, but vintage dresses draw me in on another level.  They seem to capture a time lost in the busyness of today's society; A time when life appeared so much simpler; where families and communities were stronger and more united; of days at the beach and picnics on a Sunday afternoon....yes you guessed it, I AM a hopeless romantic.....but do you know what I mean?  I think vintage, I think simple, fun and romantic.

Although some high-street stores have vintage departments and vintage inspired pieces, Second-hand chic is truly for the hunter gatherers of fashion - those who love the thrill of the chase… On their mission to seek out the perfect outfit, these creative shoppers get a kick out of the challenge that carries its own reward – a stylish ensemble with flair, quirky appeal and a unique personality.

Sure you may pick up a rare bargain on the off occasion; But seriously, who does have time, or the money, to drive all over town looking for that one off, perfect dress?

While on the search for a vintage Tea Dress I stumbled across the fabulous works of Western Australian designer Rebecca Williams.  Her recently established boutique business creates stunning, whimsical 50's inspired dresses using vintage fabrics....and the great thing is that at prices between $80 and $110, your one off original won't break the bank!

Rebecca's designs are perfect for running around town, , enjoying a sunny picnic, a romantic summer's night, High Tea or sophisticated soirees.  Alternatively, just as beautiful teamed with leggings and a cardi to take you through the cooler months.



Accessorise with vintage pieces such as jewelery, scarves and belts to add the final flourish to an otherwise contemporary outfit. Mix and match your high-street staples with one-off finds and make your own statement.

my favourite things - Pretty blooms

One of my most favourite things happens to be something I only get to enjoy in my least favourite season...Winter.  I openly admit I am really not a fan of the cold weather and little luxuries like snuggling in front of an open fire; delicious hot homemade soups and georgous winter clothes just simply are not enough to make me like it any more!

But right in the middle of the misery I call winter, something beautiful pops up and makes it far more bareable, Cream Jonquils.

I'm not sure if its that they are a sign that spring is on its way; the simpleness of each stem blooming with multiple flowers; the stunning purfume that bursts from the bouquet and fills the house with its beautiful fragrance; or that they simply remind me of my late Nana who also liked them....No matter what it is I know I get a little excited when I finally see carefully bunched blooms of Jonquils sitting in a bucket at the local florist each winter.

And thats what happened just the other day.  I scooped up 5 bunches as soon as I saw them.  Now they adorn the lounge room buffet and the house has a hint of spring in the air.  Simple, fragrant and eyecatching...definately one of my favourites!