For the love of the lowly cassette tape everywhere… shown above (click on picture to go to each item) is my collection of must have 80s nostalgic tape induced crafty memorabilia… no other form of musical record has affected budding relationships and romances the world over than the “I made you a Mix Tape” tape where we’d pour our hearts out through power ballads and music with meaning hoping that the cassette tapes intendee would listen between the lines and fall head over heels… what fun and freedom to be your own DJ! Surly the music that means so much, must surly touch the hearts of my unrequited love in the same way? Surely not. Pah!

What was on your mix tape of lurve???

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Have you noticed a recent catwalk trend for large chunky cuffs? Everyone from Michelle Obama to SJP and ever stylush Johnny Depp thats why I have been so excited to show you the beautiful work of one of my newest Guest Designers ~ Megan and Mona.

Based in the Welsh capital, the seamstress behind Megan and Mona is a costumerier by day turning her hand at night to crafting in the most intricate detail hand embroidered cuffs, corsets and belts (coming soon)!
I think you will agree they are stunning! Do take a look at the entire collection.

www.extinctdesign.co.uk/meganandmona

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Cards are really such a nice thing to receive and when conserving paper the best choice around it to buy vintage or handmade.

I spoke to fabulous vintage finder of thing things Sophie from Pineapple Ice Bucket who has a beauty of a shop in the village of Brockenhurst in the New Forest, Hampshire.

Sophie: When searching for fun and funky vintage stock, I have been lucky enough to meet a supplier of original 1970s greeting cards, in fact he has a large warehouse full of them, boxed up and ready to give… Left over’s from a second business back in the day, which got left behind when another venture took off.

A chance encounter means I now have a very large supply of these amazing cards at my fingertips… all unused, most sealed and in a vast array of different designs… For example, we have a 1970s hippy rocker, a psychedelic donkey, girls with flowers in their hair and the most amazing fabric designs (and that’s just one range) I have large ones, which are ideal for framing and can be attributed to some successful artists and fabric designers, a ‘cut out’ range, which is great for big and small kids (why not make your own 3D elephant or dress a hippy for example)? But my favourites have to be the kitsch American kids designs… complete with the cheesiest printed messages inside, which include- ‘hi, flower child‘, ‘doggone you’re sweet’ or ‘I’d go way out for you’.

Having them in my shop, I hear all the comments… people either remember them from the first time (bringing back memories of a fifth birthday party, a special granny or other happy times), wanting to share the memories with friends, either of a similar age, or new generations who squeal with delight at the sight of the psychedelic colours and kitsch wording.

And why not frame the card after it has been received, the ultimate recycling.

(Be first in the queue by adding yourself to Pineapple Ice Bucket Facebook Page)

***

Also you MUST check out the amazing Gaverluk duo, who have combined their creative talent to bring you the hottest handcrafted cards around – simply stunning!!

If you want to find out a bit more about Adam Gaverluk Photography check it out here.

If you need to see more delicious designs from Lisa take a look here.

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Check out this super cool wrapping paper … we love it!

Created by www.lipinternational.com under the ‘Bikini’ range, it’s truly back to the Sixties. This clever lot also sell limited prints, bags and postcards (we want it all!), based in Birmingham, they sell on their site and also do wholesale. Check them out, we are sure you’ll love them…..(Well done Phil, they’re inspired!) We found the Sixties paper (which we can’t bear to use as wrapping paper and have put on wall) in Hunter surf shop in Devon, when a  couple of the Ollie & Agnes crew decided they needed some sun, sand and surf so headed to the Coast. The sun was out, the surf was up and other than the really really hard camping ground, all was cool and obviously, we wore our surfy style Ollie&Agnes hats on the beach!

As well as catching some waves (Ollie&Agnes model Green Olive did some boogie boarding for the first time!), chilling on the beach and eating our body weight in fish and chips; we were also on the look out for cool and unusual stuff.  There are some pretty individual people hanging out on the coast; so we kept our eyes peeled and were rewarded. As well as finding this very cool wrapping paper; we also saw a very cool female surfer, wearing a proper, neon-coloured,  vintage swimming cap and what looked like a small ironing board to surf on (No Kidding…sadly we were too shy to ask to take a photo), Millie wearing Native American style hair-bands on her ankles, which it has to be said looked very cool and an old dude with blue lips, which it has to be said, didn’t look very cool especially as, by the time he went surfing, the sun had gone…

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Don’t let it happen to you!

Get anti-mothra products here!

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Make-Up, Burlesque, Theatre & Carnival,
Costume, Poetry, Performance & Dance
Magic, Live Art, Fashion & Bodies..

… just a few of my favourite words to ponder and imagine, I love seeking out new and expressive images that are just so exciting!

For me “live” art element of any theatrical based performance is the most thrilling time, a captured moment as the drama and decor, wigs, words and wizardry come together for the onlooker to interpret in their own way…

Having noticed recently a lovely blend of Vintage, Pin-Up, Burlesque and Tattoos – a look that I totally love, with the likes of  Bernie Dexter and Sabina Kelley,  the Tattoos are colourful, cute and beautifully designed. I wanted to talk to someone in the know before thinking about getting my own body art…

Cue the intoxicating Vera Voodoo…

Extinct: What got you first into Tattoos?
Vera Voodoo: Tattoos have been a long time fascination for me. I had seen them in old circus books, magazines and movies growing up, but never really knew anyone that had them. I know for a fact that it was when I was in elementary school and I met a very tattooed girl and that really piqued my interest. I was drawn to a girl volunteering for that because she was absolutely intriguing to me. She had blue hair, and several piercings and tattoos. She was so friendly and awe inspiring, so I was always really open and curious about them from then on.

Extinct: Tell us about your tats!
Vera Voodoo: All of them tie back to important things in my life. My chestpiece is my favorite so far.. It is a green heart, keyhole coffins, roses, knives, and a banner reading “Love Never Fails.” I truly believe in it. It is appropriately a symbol of how I can count on the love in my life. God, my husband, my family, friends…Each item in the design means something different, and it is just makes perfect sense to me when it’s all together. I have anchors on my feet so I can keep my feet on the ground (although nothing is keeping my head of of the clouds), and my childhood love was Nightmare Before Christmas, hence the start of the sleeve. I have engagement and wedding tattoos on the sides of my ring finger and a bat behind my ear, which will eventually will be a whole piece on the side of my neck.

Extinct: Were you influenced by any particular artist/image/theme etc?
Vera Voodoo: No particular artist, but many of mine are semi traditional in style, and some are horror/Halloween themed. Go figure.

Extinct: Any plans for more?
Vera Voodoo: Absolutely. I would like a lot of coverage..I feel naked with as little as I have! I have so many ideas!

Extinct: Have you noticed a recent trend for tattoos?
Vera Voodoo: I have seen quite a few trends in the last several years I have been involved in tattoos. I don’t know about other regions, but I’m seeing a lot of first timers getting rib pieces.

Extinct: Is a tattoo still the mark of the rebel?
Vera Voodoo: Ha, I don’t think so. I mean, I still get the negativity from the public, so maybe as far as society as concerned, but not to me. At one point 25% of the U.S population was tattooed, and that was several years ago.. I’m willing to bet it is more now. You don’t know how many doctors and lawyers have full sleeves and a lot of coverage…there is no much to rebel against these days, it generally is more about self expression.

Extinct: As an tattoo artist, what would you say is your favourite part of the job?
Vera Voodoo: When I was tattooing it was a combination of meeting all of the people, and creating the perfect design that was meaningful and unique to them. I love making people happy… the challenges of some of the designs was also pretty rewarding.

Extinct: What advice would you give someone who is looking for just that “right” design for them?
Vera Voodoo: Time and thought. Those two together are great ingredients for finding the best design. I also suggest it be meaningful to you. Many people are happy with walking in and picking something off of the wall, but I find that the people most contented with their tattoos are people who took time to think long and hard.

Extinct: Where do you see tattooing in 10 years time?
Vera Voodoo: It has changed so much just in my lifetime alone… I cannot even image where it will be. There is already every style imaginable.. I can’t wait to see where it goes…I hope it is more widely accepted, and then people keep being innovative and coming up with new styles, tools and techniques!

Extinct: Do you think it will ever be accepted truly as an art form?
Vera Voodoo: You know, all I can do is hope… I know many people do consider it an art form.. but that is mostly people that get them or at least not adverse to them.. but as for the general population.. it isn’t considered as such and I don’t think it will be for a long time.. I don’t think it will in my lifetime.

How did you start your life as a burlesque star?
Vera Voodoo: I had always admired the burlesque queens on the past, and when my friend was involved in the revival in Oklahoma, and seeing it live and in person I was in love. Years later I was contacted by a burlesque troupe in my city and they suggested that I try out… My friend was leaving the state and I off handedly made a comment that I wish I could do it.. she convinced me to try it, to help the tiny Burlesque scene in Oklahoma stay alive. I met with the troupe and not long after that was performing at my first gig. It has been one of the best decisions of my life.

Extinct: Do your tattoos enhance your burlesque’s character?
Vera Voodoo: I think they do to a degree. Vera is a dark and sultry lady most of the times, so I think the tattoos help…especially the Chestpiece.

Extinct: Growing up what fashion styles inspired you the most?
Vera Voodoo: Victorian styles inspired me a lot, also Flappers and the gorgeous women of the 1930’s-1960’s. I was a ridiculous child and tried mixing all of these…. in a very small and unaccepting town in Oklahoma. To this day I can look through my books of the styles past for hours on end, admiring the beauty in it.

Extinct: What is your favourite tattoo you have or have seen on someone else?
Vera Voodoo: Ah, that’s always a tough one… I have seen so many.. I recently saw the woman with the Octopus on her whole torso, and her breast was the head, so it was 3D… It was rad.

Extinct: Whats next for Vera Voodoo?
Vera Voodoo: Ah, I wish more than anything to be tattooing again, but as for everything else, I would really love to branch out my burlesque performances into more states, and maybe take the modeling to the next step…I got my chest in a tattoo magazine, but would really like to get a full shot of me in one someday! I recently got into the second issue of the pinup magazine Retro Lovely, so we’ll see where that takes me!

Extinct: Anything else you would like to add.
Vera Voodoo: Oh.. If it were ever possible for glittery tattoos, even if I’m 105, count me IN!

Thanks so much Vera!

If you would like to get in touch with Vera for shoots you can contact her via Model Mayhem

or her Vera Voodoo facebook page

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Get some Prydz pumping through your woofers, jump over to the shop to check these jewel coloured 80s Swimsuits/Leotards and pick up some funky jewels with my new Guest Designer….

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Raising eyebrows at Prada…

…to double doo-doo with Marty…

From Geek Chic to Glamorous fashion and back again, getting the eye-wear right is a must!

Films like Ghost World, the much hyped Luella Bartleys SS08 Collection to the glamorous allure of our 50s starlets; have all helped propel vintage eyewear into the cool stratosphere… and there it will remain.

I talked to owner of online vintage glasses shop Dead Men’s Spex – the place to shop for tip top quality frames from 1850s through to 1970s…

Extinct: What inspired you to open Dead Men’s Spex?

Darren: My love of of all things old, especially well engineered pieces, designed to last. Iam a Dispensing Optician by trade and had worked in optics for over 20 years ( I started very young <lol> ). There came a point were the production line of high street optics held no pleasure and I wanted to get back to a time were craftsmanship and service were important. So Dead Men’s Spex was born and 4 years later I’m busier than ever.

Extinct: Do you offer a spex finding service?

Darren: I can. Sometimes it helps to have someone who knows what to look for on your side. I will only supply frames that are wearable (unless it is a pair that has some other intrinsic artistic or historical value) as a pair of spectacles you can not wear is a very lonely item. I will take your details and contact you as when your desired item becomes available offering you first refusal.

Extinct: Which era shape/style would you say is hot right now?

Darren:1940/50’s are always big sellers. Cats eyes for the ladies in bright colours go very fast as the colours from this period were not very stable making good examples desirable. Combination frames for the gents as worn by all G-Man wannabes. We import these from the USA as they are still made by Shuron who have made them for over 60 years!

Extinct: Do you think its easy to spot a Vintage pair of spex to a modern vintage update version? What are the signs to look out for?

Darren:With a little practice, yes. Your looking at what the frame is made of, is it tortoiseshell, Perspex or acetate? Joints are the most telling thing, before the 1970’s most joints on plastic frames were pinned on with the pins often being embellished as part of the design. Nowadays the joints are heat inserted so invisible on the outside of the frame.

Extinct: Can we see you at any festivals this year?

Darren:Yes, we have Twinwoods in August for all you 1940 and 1950’s devotees, Sherringham in September  and the year is finished off with Hemsby and the Rythm Riot.

Darren also writes the Dead Men’s Spex Blog that is a great read, really in”sightful” (“see” what I did there?), witty and interesting!

…and finally if you can’t decide on what glasses might suit you best take a look Flair Magazines 1963 version of what type to fit which kind of personality!

Set Found on Flickr

Don’t need a pair? Check out new Guest Designer Geeky Glasses in Extinct Now!

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The Eye of The Cat, 1969

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This lovely tutorial by Brigitte Read of Roman Sock.

For all your creative crocheters out there – hooks at the ready! Lovely easy to follow tutorial on these super pretty flowers – imagine the endless colour options!

Click on the link  Mollie-Flowers

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I’ve gone crazy for these new pegrails from the wonderful creative hands of Kelly, designer and maker behind my new Guest  label ~Meanwhile…

I love working with local artists and Kel, couldn’t be any closer. No need to look further than my very own street!

Kelly tells me “I’m inspired by old comics, eames hat rails, nostaliga… I wanted to create something functional, unique with a recycled ethos.”

With more to be added over the coming weeks – keep your eyes peeled!

*Meanwhile… also offers custom orders on pegrails, check the individual listings for colour and number of pegs.

They are that rare kind of item that re-tells a story with you coming back for more! Like little works of art.

Let us know which ones you like and tell us tales of your favourite comic books!

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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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I’m currently crafting an apron-come-craft-pinny with all the right pockets n places for numerous bits I haul from the house to the garden each day, keys (I like to lock up the house and feel like I’m off to “work” ), iphone (can’t leave home without it), bottle of water, then there might be some post, receipts, paperwork, some new fabric buys, its amazing the amount of stuff I can bring back and forth… and although I love to have scissors and sellotape in every room in the house, I inevitably bring some to and fro… oh and my sketchbook! So yes, clearly a need. I’m making mine from scratch with remnants of material found in my stash. I want to make a few so I have a uniform too! (will post up some pictures when their done.)

If you fancy doing the same you can’t go too wrong with fabulous creative community Burdastyle.com. Seriously anything for the modern girl to make and sew. Above is a hipster shop girl apron, a downloadable pattern and full instructions can be found here.

It would appear aprons have seen a bit of a revival of late especially twinned with 50s vintage looks, big circle skirts, rockabilly becoming ever more a popular look.

The fabulous creative brains behind Weezi took time out from sewing her fabulous fabrics and dreaming up more gorgeous designs for us to answer some questions in my first ever designer interview…

Take a look below at her fabulous vintage inspired fashions!

Strawberry Circle Apron, Full Bib Cherry Apron (available soon online to order in any size) &  Blue Cupcake Half Apron

Extinct: What are your biggest inspirations when designing your aprons? Colours? Fabrics? or the Style?
Weezi: For me it is a always about fabric first. I am first and foremost inspired by fabrics and the colours and prints in the fabric.
I am immediately drawn to bright vibrant colour whether it is a bold print or a dainty feminine print.

The fabric that I fall in love with will determine what kind of apron I will make because of the way the fabric will hang, gather, press, float, twirl etc.
A sturdy heavy weight cotton will make a lovely bib apron that will take lots of wear and tear. Where as, a floaty,light weight fabric will make a fabulous dainty hostess apron whose job is to look pretty.

When I am choosing fabrics and prints the end result is that
I want all my aprons to be very feminine and girly so I think the 2 go hand and hand when shopping and designing.

Heather: Is there a limit to how many aprons a girl should have? (I know I keep thinking up more ideas when to use mine! crafting and gardening!!

Weezi: LOL! Of course there is no limit to how many aprons a gal should have.
Just like shoes, sweater cardigans ,coats, handbags or accessories.
One apron does not suit all occasions just like one pair of shoes does not in any way suit all parties or events ( god forbid!).

A gal needs one apron that can really take some abuse in the kitchen for heavy cooking days or canning, Christmas etc.
It is pretty and is enjoyable to look at however,
this is the apron that you never worry about what you get on it.
It wraps around the back so you can wipe your hands on your behind as well as at the sides. It has big pockets and is long enough to use a hot mitt or to wipe something off the counter.
It should be a bib apron to cover the chest and keep away splatter from the blender as well as drips and dribbles from the wooden spoon while tasting.

Your crafting/gardening/cleaning apron can be a wee bit less “utilitarian” although it should also have deep pockets to help stash useful items. You also want a nice quality cotton because of multiple washes and stains. A floral pattern or interesting print is a good choice for these aprons because they will hide marks and stains.
I look for a nice ruffle on these because who doesn’t want to look pretty and feminine in the garden? Ruffles and frills are a must while gardening or vacuuming.

Lastly, the hostess apron. This is more of an accessory then a functioning apron. This goes on after you have done all the dirty work in the kitchen. You can match it with your outfit, shoes or colour coordinate it. This apron is very pretty and often delicate in its appearance. Lighter weight fabrics and fancy trims can be used here.
Pretty ribbons and bows are a must.
There can be one tiny pocket for a hanky, a packet of matches or a tube of lipstick.
You need more then a few of these to be able to coordinate with the seasons as well as occasions and dresses.
These are often quite small and have a shorter tie for a small bow at the back. They never wrap around to the front.
They often sit high on the thigh as not to distract or cover up from the dress underneath.
Often these aprons could be lumped into the “lingerie” category of aprons.

So, you can see why a gal needs many aprons whether you actually are domestic or just want to look that way.

Extinct: Ha! Yes, now I feel I’m definitely lacking in aprons Hmm! Frills when gardening? Yes PLEASE…And finally, which came first the cup-cake revival or 50s aprons appeal?
Weezi: I think that the cupcake came a bit before the 50s apron appeal for many ladies. It did help to “modernize” it and give it that up to date appeal and take away the idea the aprons were for our matronly grandmothers.
The cupcake helped to make it more feminine and acceptable in a way that wasn’t offensive to our “modern woman” or (dare I say it) feminist values.
A cute cupcake on an apron didn’t mean you were bare foot and pregnant under the thumb of a man tied to the kitchen.
You were your own woman doing what ever the hell you wanted and looking damn cute doing it!!!

***

Thanks so much to Weezi for answering my questions ~ Do stop by her store to pick up one (or a few!) of her lovely designs, also available dresses, bags, accessories, journals and some cool crafty stuff!

Now if you do feel inspired to make your own (bet you’re itching too!) Check out some patterns at sovintagepatterns.com, either to inspire or to make-up yourself. I looks like from the picks I took – I seem to favour the hostess apron… sounds about right. Begs the question “If you were an apron what kind of apron would you be?”
I never believed there could be so much variety!

Also New in to Extinct some original Vintage embroidered aprons, with big scoop pockets, cross backed and in near perfect condition.

Check ‘em here Vintage Aprons at Extinct.

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Such detail and artistry… vintage aprons in unused condition coming this week to Extinct x

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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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Vintage Dresses from a selection at Extinct

Hula Girl – Photograph Available From PhotoLiz Etsy

Aloha Pedicure – Photograph Available From Swirling Thoughts

Fabulous Gil Elvgren Showing us just how cute and sexy hula girls can be

Amazing Alberto Vargas stunning hawiian goddess picture

Gil Elvgren the master Pin-Up artist, I always imagine him and Vargas as friends sharing their love of beauty and female curves. All the women in the pictures look like they are having great fun, feeling empowered, sexy, not at all a victim of the men’s stare… I do so wonder how some women today feel unease with pin-up, burlesque and the like – for me it appears the women the are the ones  in control and having a great time! It feels great to feel fabulous both in and out of your clothes and whenever you’ve got the chance to flaunt it – DO IT!

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