The last couple of days I’ve spent a lot of time looking for new summer dresses, scarves, knitwear, velvet jackets (for the fellas) and assorted other goodies.

One wholesaler, a new one I haven’t seen before, imports from Europe. As you know, I prefer to buy locally, as I feel that Australian clothes are best suited to our needs but sometimes there are things that are hard to find in good condition - and 1950s shirtwaister dresses, cotton with short, half or three quarter sleeves and full skirts, are one of those things. Today I bought more than twenty ‘fifties frocks, quite a few of which fit that description. Already, I’ve hand-washed some and so they will be arriving in the shop over the next week - all sizes from 6 to about a 14 are there, they should prove quite popular (they’re lovely).

Winter dresses are always hard but there were a few of those too: nice wool ones, down to the drycleaner tomorrow they shall go. There were some nice strappy or sleeveless sundresses from the ’50s to the early ’70s, I think you’ll like them too, but I’ll hold off on them until winter gets a bit further along.

Next week I’m seeing another supplier who imports from the US: already aside are some nice frocks; a 40s cocktail number, a black and red jersey mid-60s, and lots, oh lots of lovely scarves from the ’50s to ’70s! It’s perfect scarf weather and I can’t wait to get an extra burst of colour when they’re ready. This supplier has a terrific and comprehensive range so I’m compiling a “wishlist” of what Circa needs and hope to pick up quite a few things including mohair jumpers, Western-style shirts and yet more frocks, especially party frocks.

In other news, Circa will be dressing models for three hair salons (including Gertrude street star Slinky) in a hair show. I’ll post more details when they’re available. The look could be ’40s, perhaps ’50s or maybe even ’60s.

New in store:
Maitress six-strap black suspender belts from What Katie Did. Beautiful, comfortable and practical - what more could you want? Also in stock, a thinner style (although the wide one is decidely my favourite and I already need to order more as we’re almost sold out).

To go with your new suspender belt, why not try out one of the great range of Leg Avenue seamed stockings? My favourites are the white with black seams and cuban heels. Very nice.

This weekend
Melbourne Design Market is on Sunday at NGV’s Federation Square car park. I can’t believe it’s a year already! A great place to see new design works, bits and bobs at affordable prices. Recommended.