Happy Christmas from Pussycat Black!

Pussycat Black would love to wish all our fabulous blog readers a wonderful Christmas and new year. The shop will be open throughout January and we'd love to see you for a post-Christmas visit. Our resident blogger, however, will be on hiatus until February. So until then, enjoy the summer sun!

Christmas day - what to wear?

Still not sure what you're wearing on Christmas day? We think this lovely skirt by Yogini would be perfect. While it's beautiful and colorful, it won't leave you looking like a Christmas tree - a very important factor when choosing the perfect Christmas day attire. Unless that's the look you're after. If so, pair with some flashing Santa earrings and tinsel scarf. Voila!

Ode to Joan (again)

I'm not going to lie. Ever since I saw Joan wearing this green dress on Madmen I have been wanting one for myself. So I was naturally very excited when stumbled upon this emerald knee-length pencil skirt. I can imagine Joan wearing it if she were around today, perhaps with a pussybow blouse and the pumps she is wearing in the pic below. Style heaven.

Art for Christmas

I would love to be the kind of person whose house is filled with amazing pieces of original art. Sadly, my budget doesn't stretch that far very often. So it's no wonder that I am so in love with these little porcelain necklaces. Brilliant last minute Christmas gifts that can be enjoyed all year 'round.

Yogini-us

Do you ever wake up and look in your wardrobe and think, if only I had a nice top that was clever, stylish and makes me feel a million bucks even when I'm premenstrual/spotty/angry/eaten too much ice-cream? I do. Which is why I am obsessed with these tops by Yogini. Flattering, black, but with a bit of colour to make you feel all young and sprightly.

Bag around the clock

According the the many trashy magazines I devour, a lady should own a summer bag, a winter bag and perhaps a trans-seasonal option. Well, in the Christmas spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge I say, bah humbug! While I am not adverse to owning a range of 'containers for one's possessions' I also disagree that a bag should only be used at certain times of the year. This example by La Petite Poulette could toughen up a sweet floral frock whilst adding winter cosiness to your favorite vintage coat. Also a great size for hiding mince pies and coins found in your trifle on Christmas day.

Belt it, belt it good

Okay, so I have many guilty pleasures. Watching Brothers and Sisters while thinking that Rob Lowe's character isn't that bad even though he's a republican, playing the computer game Plants vs Zombies with my (too) young daughter, 'accidentally' letting my dog run out the gate when I can't be bothered taking him for a walk. But what I love most is looking at 'style' blogs where 'ordinary' people post pictures of themselves, showcasing their daily outfit. One of my faves would have to be Academic Chic. So some of the fashions are a little dubious. But there is something so generous about it, as though these women genuinely want to demonstrate that fashion can be accessible and democratic and completely unwanky.

Which brings me to these Midge belts. I know for a fact that A would absolutely love them. She belts everything. Cardis, jeans, dresses, skirts, shirts. And it really suits her. I love the light tan one myself, but if I know A, she'd be all about chocolate brown. Yummy.

Cure for a broken heart

These amazing necklaces are straight from Dani M's 'I won't go breaking your heart' range.

Oh yes you will, Dani M! In fact, my heart is already broken, primarily because I don't yet have one of these in my own personal jewelry collection. Though I suppose they would make a fabulous Christmas pressie. Don't you think? Hint, hint...

The top who could fly

One of my childhood dreams was meeting the boy who could fly. I thought that maybe I could jump on his back or something and we could go flying together. Whenever I watched that movie I cried. Which brings me to yet another flying marvel by Sneak design. I just love the way the embellish their clothes with blimps, hot air balloons and other magical flying contraptions. Is definitely the next best thing to meeting the boy who could fly, who would no doubt be some washed up bitter has-been these days any how.

Bringing blimp back

Nobody wants to be called a blimp. Unless they have seen this top. Then they absolutely know that blimp is the new black, the new ironic asymmetrical hairdo and the new old school push bike rolled into one oasis of smokin' hot coolness.

Summer wear that is not floral

Is it a top? Yes! Is it a dress! Yes! Is it perfect for a hot summer's day when you really don't feel like wearing a summer frock? Yes!

Satu's versatile summer piece. Fabulous.

Solid Gold

When I was a wee lass, all I wanted was to be on Young Talent time. Those were the glory days. Danni was the famous sister, hair crimpers were todays Ghd and mastering the art of smiling while singing was de riguer. If I couldn't be on YTT, the other job I thought would be pretty cool was to be one of the Solid Gold dancers. Which brings me to this dress. It's not quite the same as appearing on an 80s talent show, but it's gold right? Solid gold.

Sneak peak

As much as I love donning a crazy outfit, I don't know if I would have the courage to wear this headpiece in my daily life. If nothing else, it would be very inconvenient when paired with a cycling helmet or while walking under low hanging branches. These Sneak design dresses, however. Definitely! I love the way they are simple and versatile, but with so much potential as both the perfect picnic and party dress. And the orange ribbon shoulder straps. Brilliance.

Lino Royale

Yes. I am a brooch addict. But though I have quite a collection, I am always on the lookout for more, more, MORE. Inspired by Victorian style stained glass windows, each of these pieces by the super talented Betty Jo is named after an English queen. A perfect way to add some oomph to a simple outfit, or just layer on the summer colour.

The evolution of sparkle

The devotion to all things sparkly begins in infancy and continues throughout adult life. Sparkle worship is established in the brain's cerebral cortex and stems from an evolutionary characteristic that creates the illusion of a happy and fulfilled life. Characteristic's of a sparkle devotee include a spring in one's step, a warm smile and a twinkle in the eye. Secret Squirrel are well known amongst sparkle types for their clever ability to integrate shimmer into daily life.

To tan or not to tan...

With the racing season well under way, everyone seems to be talking about not horses, but the tan. Of course, it's considered the height of hideousness to get a, heaven forbid, real one that makes your skin all leathery and cancerous, and when faking it, one must avoid a streaky orange hue at all costs.

Thankfully, this lovely tan bag by La Petite Poulette comes without all those bronzed skin dilemmas. It's simply a stylish streak-free tan accessory that will carry all your stuff and not ask questions. Ideal.

Map design

I have a confession. I hate maps. I can never work out which direction I am supposed to go in and sometimes, when I look at one for too long, I get all confused and my head feels like it's going to explode.

So who knew maps could be so pretty? What I like most about these cute little map purses is that while they have nothing to do with directions, they are not purely decorative as they serve the purpose of carrying your stuff. A much less stressful use for a map if you ask me.

Scrubber or Sophisticate?

As the racing season gets underway it's hard to avoid those 'Scrubber or Sophisticate?' articles that brace the weekend papers and give advice on racing fashion etiquette. Personally, I can see the upside to both camps. In fact, I wonder if the Scrubber, who lets it all hang out, has the most fun as she stumbles home, heels in hand, lipstick smudged all over her face and a handsome, yet wobbly, stranger on her arm.

These adorable necklaces by Naomi Boyle are a good balance. More vintage floral frock than g-string-flashing-mini, they're fun, quirky and sophisticated all at the same time.

Anti-dote

I have a lot of friends who are anti-dress. This does not mean they are passionately opposed to the concept of donning a frock. They just don't wear them. Ever. So I'm thinking that this 'anti-dress' by Kuwaii would be perfect for those who would never wear a regular frock. It's a dress. But it's not.

For more Kuwaii come and check out our current Kuwaii inspired window display.

Encore

Can't get enough of Jolet/best hair lady at Pussycat Black. Here she is again in smokin' skirt and top combo. Perfect for this crazy spring weather.

Best-hair lady, back with vengence

Best-hair lady has been spotted walking down Sydney road, Brunswick in yet another fetching Jolet creation.

A source close to Best-hair said, 'Best-hair has a huge fashion crush on Jolet. The ladies down at Sportsgirl are really jealous.'

But, having sported amazing hair/dress sense for most of her adult life, Best-hair has become accustomed to dealing with envious fashionista-wannabes.

'You know, I just ignore them,' she was overheard telling a friend over cappuccino at Michelle's Patisserie in Barkly Square. 'It's sad, really.'

Yes indeed.

Stroke of genius

I always wanted to be handy with a paint brush, but sadly, my artwork always turned out kind of wonky, disturbing even. Something about those dodgy looking eyes and crooked mouth...

Luckily, MFAT are quite handy with a bucket of paint and a nice thick brush that makes this pure silk dress look quite special indeed.

In motion

In case you didn't already know, we at Pussycat Black love Kuwaii, so we totally get why this dress is called In Motion. So hot it's walking out the door. Hurry!

Miss Wee doesn't wear jewelry

So Miss Wee doesn't wear jewelry. Hello? Why should I care? Well, for one thing, Miss Wee is responsible for the creation of the above necklace. She also create this ring:

And this one too:

How could she resist adorning herself with her very own stunning constructions? Life is a mystery...

Bedazzled

When I was little, I pined for a bedazzler. I'd seen them advertised while watching Days of our Lives on my Oma's couch and just knew they would give my denim jacket a new lease of life. And imagine what it could do for a pair of jeans! Oh the possibilities...

Nobody ever bought me a bedazzler and I think it is safe to say that the lack of sparkle in my childhood has influenced who I am today. A woman with a void she is always trying to fill.

Until now.

Thanks to Secret Squirrel I can now become the sequinned maiden of my dreams. And boy do I plan to shimmy. Day and night. From now on I will be known as the woman who constantly sparkles. You will ALWAYS see me coming.

Oh Bolero, I'd do anything just to be like you

Firstly - I want her hair! But seeing as I am lucky if I manage to create a half decent pony, that's probably never going to happen. But the dress and the shrug/bolero/half-cardi/arm-warmer, otherwise known as the greatest sartorial invention of ALL TIME!! That I can do. I mean, how many times have you thrown on a dress and thought, if only this had sleeves? And it's too hot for a real cardi and let's face it, the shawl, not easy to pull off unless you are 80 year old Maude from Harold and Maude and look surprisingly good in everything.

But I digress. Jolet, you've done it again. Cool dress, best ever arm warmer and great hair. And remember, in the words of wise and wonderful Maude, 'Vice, Virtue. It's best not to be too moral. You cheat yourself out of too much life.'

I'm not going to spend my life being a colour...

It's black, it's white. It's tough for you to get by. It's black, it's white. Oooh oooh. Yeah yeah yeah.

Morning tea non stop

The trick to making delectable pumpkin scones is to cook the pumpkin the night before so it is nice and chilled before baking. If that doesn't suffice, try this Victoria Mason 'morning tea' ring set. So cute. Morning tea all day, all night. Cup of tea please.

The invisible dress

We've all had moments when we wished we were invisible. There was that time I jumped in an enormous puddle while trying to impress a boy in year 7. Or the day when a little girl asked her mother why I was wearing 'dress-ups' during a particularly tragic hippy phase. Probably best to stop there. But this 'unseen' dress by Kuwaii is so clever. Invisible, but not, sexy yet subtle. Forget about invisibility. This is one frock that was made to be seen.

Dani M

Back in her Young Talent Time days Dannii Minogue was way more famous than her big sister Kylie. We all know how that turned out. But even so, I've always had a soft spot for the Minogue underdog, especially now that she's binned the botox in favour of facial expressions.

Perhaps you are wondering what our Dannii has to do with the above collection of beautiful pendants. No, she did not design them, but another Dani M did. I can just imagine them in summer with a floaty white dress, or perhaps a little more edgy, Agness Deyn style?

More Mad Men inspiration

Once again I can see Joan vavavooming this Dot and Herbey number. At a spring soirée perhaps? Or yet another picnic in the park with a handsome gentleman? Oohlala.

Artechoke Prism

If I were a sci-fi author I might consider writing a novel entitled Artichoke Prism. It would be a dystopic futuristic tale of a world where the only available food is the prickly and intimidating artichoke. Not surprisingly, many in this world are starving and it is therefore highly fashionable to be fat.

Cool as a cucumber label, Artechoke have not only adopted an alternate spelling of the word, but they have channeled their inspiration differently. Rather than focus on science fiction, they have created a collection entitled Prism, which they describe as, 'an exploration of minimalist construction.' Included in this collection is this LBD, a piece of which I own many, yet continue to have a hankering for more, more, MORE!! I especially love this version, with the rounded hem and flattering v-neckline. Perhaps I could wear it to the launch of Artichoke Prism when I am rich and famous.

She had an hourglass figure...

She had an hourglass figure with an extra twenty minutes...

I have been dying for an excuse to use that line (borrowed from Clive Cussler, the king of blokey pulp fiction) because it is just so brilliant. So while it may not be particularly relevant to the above image, just imagine this sweet Dot and Herbey frock on Joan from Madmen, who indeed possesses such a figure. A little casual for the office, Joan would be wearing this piece during a Sunday afternoon summer champagne picnic with a dishy admirer. He'd be feeding her strawberries and professing his love and while she'd enjoy the moment, she's a smart filly, our Joan. She'd be waiting for the ring on her finger. Vava voom.

Oh lord won't you buy me...

As a child all I ever wanted was a pony. But no matter how much I begged and I pleaded, I got nothing more than a stinky wooden rocking horse from the Salvos.

I still don't have a pony. But thankfully, Hamb have manged to conjure up a cute little tee to feel the void. Thirty-odd years later I can finally move on...

Proceed with caution

Stop right there! I'm armed and I'm dangerous.

Well, not really. But I'm smokin' hot in this red linen a-line by Dot and Herbey. Shirt optional.

Bloomin' marvellous

We all enjoy being the recipient of a fresh bouquet. The colour. The fragrance. The smelly water when they wither up and die and remind us of our own mortality.

Not these puppies. Thanks to Belinda Newick we can wear flowers on a daily basis and never, ever experience the pungent odor of death and decay. Plus they're so pretty and uplifting. Hooray!

Tomorrow never knows

He was supposed to meet her at the airport.

After waiting three hours, she phoned.

'You have no idea how hot and scary I look right now,' she said. 'And you never will.'

*Stewardess skirt by Mint Slice Afternoons.

Battle of the three tunics

'I'm telling you, she's in the mood for burnt orange and moody mauve,' said tunic number three.

'But she wore you yesterday!' said tunic number two, who was quite competitive and none too pleased about not having been worn for at least five days.

Tunic number one remained smugly silent, knowing that her owner, Milly, was going to pick her.

But Milly, an experienced Publisher textiles tunic owner, knew exactly how to handle her feuding brood.

'I love you all,' said Milly. 'You are all so gorgeous and flattering and make me feel like eternal spring. But you know how important it is to avoid over exposure. Remember what happened to poor old Jessica Simpson.'

With that, tunic number two and tunic number three decided to enjoy their day off. But tunic number one, well, she stands by her personal motto, 'if you've got it, flaunt it.'

5 reasons why I want to be this woman

1. She manages to look cute and sassy even while clutching a top hat
2. Her Culdesac knit is delicious
3. The scarf/knitted top combo totally rocks in a way that neither clashes nor looks to matchy-matchy
4. She looks like she knows something I don't
5. Basically, I want what she's having...

PCB in Melbourne Design Guide

The clever folks at the Melbourne Design guide describe this nifty publication as 'the friend you've always wanted to have.' We couldn't agree more! Especially now that Ms Pussycat Black has page 159 (almost) all to herself. And gorgeous she is too. This is the must-have guide for design loving Melbournians interested in everything design - from furniture, architecture, jewelry and fashion. There is even a section about yummy and stylish places to eat and hang out. Copies for sale in store.