This months MUST HAVE is this Poolside glamour goddess sarong!

I love this colour combination, unmistakably vintage. Extra Large too, which is great to cover up on the beach or by the pool ~ wouldn’t look out of place walking around the local shops on your holidays too!

Made from water-resistant fabric, originally from Hawaii!

If that isn’t the coolest already… I’ve giving away these vintage sunnies FREE with this July Must-Have!!

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Money can’t buy you cla…ass!
Anyone whos been watching the Real Housewives of NYC will of course be having a fabulous time (I’m totally addicted, it is for me the very best telly since Jem & the Holograms – and thats saying a lot.)
Although I’ve had my favourite moments with all of them – I do find myself checking out Countess LuAnn’s clothing and accessories more than the others… they have a distinct French feel about them..
Chunky jewelry and no fuss dresses makes for a classy look.
It just so happens the Extinct Vintage Jewelry section has a number of very LuAnn like adornments – JUST IN!

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Ode to a skirt
You have lived with me like a sister
But now time’s we part
Your beauty is incomparable and likened to some art…

I love selling vintage clothing and do view each piece as mini rare works of art and none more so than the skirt above, from my own private collection sold to my lovely new model,  (I don’t think I could of parted with it to anyone else!)

It’s a striking piece and reminds me of still life paintings from the Middle Ages…
Flemish painter – Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568 – January 13, 1625) sometimes called “Flower” Brueghel, and “Paradise” Brueghel, of which the latter two were derived from his floral still life’s which were his favored subjects. Packed with symbolism, flowers representing both the beauty, fragility and ever turning circle of life. Often in the paintings there would be insects, such as for butterflies represents transformation and resurrection while the ant hard work and attention to the harvest, often dead or dying insects (and later sculls, watches, candles burning down, fading fruit) really enforcing that life is transient, capturing memento’s of beauty…

The flowers in themselves too offer symbolic meaning, which we are often aware of but have no real recollection how we know what they mean; rose (Virgin Mary, transience, Venus, love); lily (virginity, purity of mind or justice); tulip (showiness, nobility); sunflower (faithfulness, divine love, devotion); violet (modesty, reserve, humility); columbine (melancholy); poppy (power, sleep, death).

So many paintings were produced in this way with the dark background, giving more vibrancy and “life” to the still lifes. It was Monet and Renoir

Below are pieces by Jan Frans van Dael was another Flemish painter – whos works I think are particularly stunning!

Looking to buy your own modern piece of art? Here is a round up of fabulous black floral finds on etsy.

1. Vintage Sparkle Red Bombshell Dress
2. Vintage Floral Heels
3. Vintage Micro Mosaic Floral Tile Brooch
4. Vintage Black Embroidered Peplum Blouse
5. Vintage Floral Tin

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The legendary Moleskine notebooks have been lovingly up-cycled with hand painted oh-so-pretty vintage wallpaper!

Only one of each style available!!

I really like the colour mixes of these papers as well the designs which are reminiscent of many contemporary designers and high street designs.

The perfect little vintage notebook for all you ideas led creators!

To the shop I go!

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From the fabulous world of Suzywan – these necklaces are the future! With a great sense of colour and fun her work is distinct, original – I just feel happy looking at it.

I think the range blends really well with vintage items, its all in the mix!

Handmade from her Swedish studio, (from the top) Classy, Dancefloor & Octopus.

Now available at Extinct Design!!

www.suzywan.com

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As I’ve been away watching the Burlesque Arts last week, haven’t been able to catch up on my Spring cure – so I thought I’d share this fabulous ad on how to blend your fridge with your mood… oh and your house party, handbag or hat.

Dance while you’re at it peeps!

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Printed in 1875 it includes information on subjects “restricted to those of feminine interest” like “Rules for the Young Wife”, “The Art of Eating Oranges” and “How to Choose Perfumes for Handkerchief”

Glove Flirtation

When you wish to be acquainted, carry you gloves with the finger tips downward;

if you wish to say, Introduce me to your companion, use them as a fan;

for saying;

Be contented, hold them loose in the right hand;

I wish to get rid of you very soon, bit the finger tips;

Yes, drop one of them;

No, clench them rolled up in the right hand;

I am indifferent, draw one glove half way on the left

Follow me, strike them over the left shoulder;

I am engaged, toss them up gently

Be careful someone is watching us, twirl them round your fingers

I hate you, turn them inside out

I love another, tap your chin with them

Do you love me? put one on the left hand, with thumb exposed (!)

I love you, drop them both

Gloves can transport any type of day or evening wear to instant glamourpuss-heights… It’s amazing to me that actually if I noticed some fair maiden doing any or all of the above I probably could get a feel for what she was saying… the art of conversation as they say is 90% non-verbal and I think that goes double for glove flirtation – try it out and let me know how you get on!

I feel a slient mini movie glove flirtation featurette coming on!

For more vintage glamour accessories take a peek in store…

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I’ve signed up to Apartment Therapy’s Spring Cure 2010 and very excited about it! You can follow everyones progress on Flickr too!

I plan to concentrate on my hallway (image tray pic above) & kitchen.

Might keep adding mydifferent style trays / mood boards. I love making them up. You can probubly guess I’m pretty keen on pattern. I love to sit different patterns next to each other to see what works. I am undecided as yet to whether I want to continue with a cute country look in apple white and flowery patterns or edge more towards a funky finish with a mix of high design accents. Oh the choice!

Those vegetable mugs are a must however and will have to work with whatever I decide.

So this is a brief overview of whats in order for this week:

I’m going to follow the still Deep Treatment tasks (although applies to your entire pad) but concentrate on the One Room Remedy, it will get me organised even if I don’t tackle everything.

You can check out everyone’s photos and how their doing in the Apartment Therapy Flickr Group, post your own or add comments. Its a fabulous community of interior design enthusiasts making their homes that every bit better one manageable task at a time.

Deep Treatment
- Make a complete list of repairs and solutions.
- Vacuum and mop the floors.
- Remove one item from your apartment and put it outside.
- Buy fresh flowers.
- Sit for ten minutes in a part of your home that you never sit in.
- Look into earth-friendly cleaning products.

One-Room Remedy
- Choose one room.
- Gather pictures of rooms you love.
- Start a style tray.
- Visit your favourite home store.
- Set your budget.

Decisions must be made but for now I s’pose I’m just a lil bit country… a little bit rock n roll… and a whole lotta kitsch! Hit it Donny n Marie!

My Flickr – www.flickr.com/photos/extinctdesign/

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OK, yeah, I know – I admit it! At times, there have been moments where… I can be a complete VINTAGE SNOB!!

HAS to be original HAS to have a certain look… Same goes for films set in the sixties, music that thinks its sixties… d’ya “catch my drift?” (Ahem. Me trying to use sayings from way back when)  What makes vintage, “vintage” to me is that it was there living through that time, those moments, taking in the air, the whole vibe of the time… I do love the current upcycle and re-direction of clothing using materials from vintage periods as it still retains the same sort of flavour…

Back in my university days (I’m reminiscing a lot lately) I did my final year dissertation on The Pin-Up; Imagery and Photography. I loved the hairstyles, the fabrics, the shapes and the mood of the pictures ~ such genuine beauty with a big dollup of saucy fun!

So I guess it’s rare that I see something that gives me the same feeling as vintage photography or the magic of that thrift shop find, if it’s not the genuine article. Something with the same sense of style from those glamourpuss days…that age and warmth.

But Adam Gaverluk has changed all that! Shooting images of the female form exclusively and as he puts it “as there is nothing more interesting or more beautiful”  Dang right! Check out his site Adam Gaverluk Photography, for Fashion, Portrait, Fine Art, Glamour & Pin Up.

I suppose that’s just what photographers, artists, painters are meant to do… make you stop, look and think a while…

…and if that’s not all his sister owns the fabulous Weezi.com – a place for new and recycled t-shirt tops,  bags, vintage items and handmade dresses!!

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Not only would anyone be delighted to receive this but can be used again, framed in a room forever….

Measures 5 X 7inches.

Blank inside made of 300gm textured art board supplied with 100 gm white laid envelope

These products are designed and manufactured in the UK. Using environmentally friendly products wherever possible, either paper which is 100% recycled or from well managed sources. Use of biodegradable bags and using a printing company that is FSC accredited.

Plus FREE postage!

So everyone’s a winner – what more do you want?

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I just wanted to share this lovely pic with you! Reminds me of vintage postcards. I’ve been playing around with settings on my camera and found some lovely filters that worked well in my editing programme too! I think the colours work really well. Let me know your thoughts too!

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I love blues music, sad eye vintage pictures, moody broody guys peeping out from their long locks, grouping together on Monday mornings, sharing gripes… but I’ve been doing so recently with a bit of a giggle. I know its so fashionably chic to pout and practice runway scowls but I guess I’ve just got a case of the Happy January Blues!

January has traditionally for most been a depressing month, cue the cold weather and the post Christmas chocolate come downs, new council tax bills (OK bleurgh.. even I can’t get too happy ’bout that) but I am just so happy and grateful to start this new year.

I feel like I’ve been give a fresh new start, new diary, new lists and new lovely phone have all helped but I guess the biggest help and lifter upper (that is a new phrase for 2010  – oh yes it is!)  has been to make time to meditate and listen to some wonderful hypnosis… calming, relaxing and blissfully reviving…

Try New Life Catalyst where the soft tones of skilled Hypnotherapist, Zofie Kucia, will have you overcoming your fears, feeling great about your body and self, sleeping better and generally feeling good about life!

Highly recommended.

You can find time for that right?

****************************************************************

http://newlifecatalyst.co.uk check the site out for FREE relaxing download plus help on fear of flying, self esteem, insomnia, weight loss priced £4.25.

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I love the feeling of looking at something so well designed it inspires me to greater more well designed err designs…

Like this simple ceramic carton milk jug from Heals!

Ok maybe there are better examples out there, but I love this. So simple and for me    beautiful.

HEAL’s are celebrating 200 years of just that this year, whereas I’m celebrating my first purchase from there! Eeep!

I remember a time as a young impressionable teenager venturing into the daunting glass temple of design wonder, my scratchy second-hand boots echoing loudly around their beautiful Kings Road store boutique, (silently vowing to myself that I must return someday in Pretty Women style and buy millions of pounds worth of items) It would of been some sort of gesture to show I wasn’t this uncouth youth now dwarfed by the beauty that surrounded me, that I some how understood the design and how important it was. Not that any of the staff would of cared, that’s not to say they wouldn’t of cared, I guess it was just more to do with me… I mean who really does care?

How I loved everything in there, such style and class. This love for design has always burned in me since watching old movies with my dad from the 60s and loving the pictures, the patterns, the wallpapers and rugs. An endless cornucopia of colour that made my eyes bulge. I knew then I was a gonna, a sucker, a true fanatic and would probably wind up collecting and hoarding as many of these items as I could get my mitts on…

Over the years that has proved to be the case, passing some on, selling some and eventually starting Extinct.

Sharing with you my love for design from such explosive eras as the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

“Ohhh tooo mUch”

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(click on the pics for more info!)

1.Karl Largerfelt Finger Puppet

2,3 &4 Jennifer Loiselle Amazing Headbands

5. Adorable Creatures by Lou Lou & Oscar

6. Janice Jong – Illustrations

7. Wife of Brian

8.&9 Lovi Postcards

10. Orfeo Cotton Counting Book

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Excited to be taking in a day of Art on Monday – the first Extinct Christmas outing!

Will be taking in the delights of Pop Life at Tate Modern, Kienholz: The Hoerengracht at the National and if there will be time checking out all that’s on offer at the Hayward!

My own creations during my time as an art student at UCE were heavily influenced by Pop Art, being a lover of that entire age – the fashion, the design and the art work – the whole energy of that time still influences me today!

Looking forward to a day submerged in visual pleasure.

Have to say I’m thoroughly enjoying all the art programes on BBC at the moment too! Check out School of Saatchi on iplayer!

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Oops – had wanted to take some shots of the box before I started unwrapping it all – was like Christmas day come early! Heh heh.
It’s just ideal for me, sitting at my desk wondering whether I should have that extra biscuit (damn those biscuits, I’m such a nibbler too)… I was so delighted to hear about Graze -  it’s a lovely thing being surprised each time with a box of all your favourite treats delivered right to your door or workplace. I’m so in love with this!

Hurrah no more bored of what to eat, Graze have created guilt-free  tailor made snack-a-thons, that will help me maintain my concentration throughout the day ~ ya know ~ just grazing…

In today’s box I got:

Korean Chilli Rice Crackers (simply gorgeous)

Pitted Kalamata & Amphissa Olives with Chilli, Garlic & Black Pepper (mmm my fave)

Hot Chilli Almonds (didn’t think I’d like them especially but found them very moreish, will be wanting more of those please)

Milk Chocolate Coated Peanuts (err? YEAH!)

The site is super easy to use and you can bookmark your favourite treats to be sent more frequently, I think I spent far too long of my working day ogling things like the savoury snacks, fresh and dried fruit, nuts and seeds and natural treats!

Plus I hear on the grapevine (see what I did there?) they are hoping to launch graze lunches soon, which will include a fresh fruit punnet and a lunch punnet (like a Tuscan Bean Salad) Yum yum yum.

What I find the most benefical of this idea is that it really will maintain my interest, its hassle-free and perfectly portioned. I was left feeling satisfied and wonderfully content, no large bag of nuts I continually chew through unaware… graze has done the thinking for me and gave me just the right amount of everything.

I was so impressed already ordered some gift vouchers for Christmas. You will be too!! (Gawd you’d think they’d of paid me to write this, but I just think it’s so fantastic and knew you’d want to know)

Paper, packaging recyclable/biodegradable, each box tailor made, nutritionally balanced, you can specify if you are looking to boost energy, balance blood sugar, sort out your immune system or lose weight…  ya know? Absolutely everything a girl like me could ever wish for!!!

For your FREE graze box check out www.graze.com enter code Y4442YPW

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I’m loving this season of Ugly Betty loving the clothes the colours and the New York backdrop – so I’m dedicating this post to all things Betty!

Here’s my pick of Extincts very own Betty fashion…

Black and White Vintage Winter coat, with autumnal shades of leather patchwork bag, pretty pink graphic flowers pinnafore dress to set of black and green stripey tights, cool 80s zig zag shoes and fun and funky accessories!

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Unfolding softly

Creaseless

Oh pretty rose, oh how pretty you are…

I was so happy to see you today, grow gracefully amongst the wisteria branches, how your perfumes will intertwine

In perfect harmony you both are

Nothing to worry, nothing to fear

Just being beautiful

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