You may have noticed that the blog has been a bit quieter this year – now that I’m through most of the recovery, I’ll confess that I had an accident with my bike and a car in January and the worst part was breaking my arm. My dominant arm, which has made all manner of tasks tricky, not least of all typing.

Now that I’m back to speed (almost), I’m way behind with my writing – the book (code named Stella) is still on schedule but it’s meant a lot of juggling and cancellations and no additions to the dance card until it’s completed, which should be the next few months – and hopefully publication later this year. It’s also meant that Saturdays have gone “by appointment” but we’ll be open again as normal as soon as I can – and in the meantime, we can arrange a time.

There have been quite a few changes too – firstly, we expanded the salon and shrunk the workroom, which means there’s more room to play at Circa – here are some pics.

This meant more room for dresses, and more room for menswear too. My wonderful assistant, Esther who has helped me for more than five years headed off to other roles – mostly costume designing. I’m pleased for her of course, but sad to see her go.

We’ve also got a new model – meet Becky Lou.

She’ll soon be appearing on the webshop – here are some sneak peeks.

This one has already gone to a good home, a lady who loves mermaids, but I love the pic – gorgeous beaded top.

This mint green chiffon cocktail frock is a size 10 and is currently available in the shop, and will soon be online.

In other news, thanks to your support Circa’s webshop was included in Lulu’s annual vintage shop awards – this year we won in not only the People’s Choice, but also in Lulu’s Personal Favourites– and she interviewed me too. Thanks Lulu! It’s a great honour to be listed amongst so many great international shops.

We were also featured on the Urban List’s best Melbourne Vintage shops – where they kindly called me “the premier vintage fashion expert in Melbourne”. Hurrah!

Tanya Ha also interviewed me for the current Green Lifestyle Magazine, talking about vintage fashion and I’m talking about investing in vintage fashion in an upcoming episode of Channel 10’s “The Living Room” with Jason Cunningham. Here’s a pic from the shoot, of me, Marlene in her ’50s showgirl outfit and Jase.

Keep an eye out for the Living Room – I’ll post a screening date when it’s available.