The New Penelope Red Autumn/Winter Range

I am very excited to introduce to you my Autumn/Winter Range, which is currently available to purchase from my Etsy store.

I have placed only a few designs in the shop so far, but there will be more added in the following weeks.

So far, I have added to the store the Penelope Red Black Bowtie Top



The photos included here have all been styled with skirts, but this top can just as easily be worn with a pair of jeans or pants, and still look fantastic! One of my favourite weekend outfits recently has been this top paired together with my blue jeans, bright red belt, and bright red shoes. Effortlessly Chic!







The Penelope Red Barcelona Corset has also been added to the Penelope Red Etsy store.





I also wanted to show you the inside of the corset, which is pictured below. It has been fully lined, and enclosed with a polyester purple/maroon lining.





The third style added today was the Penelope Red Deco Sequinned Top


The scarf included in these photos will be available for purchase on Etsy soon.


If you are interested in any of the above styles, or you would like a different size than what is listed on Etsy, then please contact me at: designer@penelopered.com.au

The Penelope Red Ikat Gold Mini Skirt

Updated: 23rd October 2009

I have just added the Penelope Red Ikat Gold Mini Skirt to my Etsy shop! It is one-of-a-kind, so first in, first served.

I think it looks fabulous in the photos- even if I do say so myself!


Above, is the inside- the lining is 100% silk, in black. All seams have been encased within the lining.


All checks and motifs are matched up as close as possible at all seams. The centre back has an invisible zip, and button at the waistband for the fastening.



As you can see from above, I have recycled this fantastic fabric from a skirt- I think it is from the 70's.


I wanted to introduce to you the Penelope Red Ikat Gold Mini Skirt. I was inspired by my recent visit to the Silk Ikat exhibition- the textures, colours, and embroideries were just beautiful. This is represented in the fabric combination displayed in this skirt.



I love mini skirts! This skirt is a decent mini length- not too short, but short enough!

Please note that these photos are just quick snap shots, and the real photos are going to look so much better than these! I just couldn't wait for those!



Both fabrics are vintage finds. The dark blue floral brocade is a silk/wool blend, and it shimmers slightly in the light as you turn. The gold and navy metallic fabric was recycled from an old long skirt- simply stunning fabric, and it is covered in metallic threads that have been woven throughout the fabric.

This is a one-of-a-kind design. No other skirt will be exactly the same. If you like the shape and style, I have made another colour way: The Penelope Red Kaliedoscope Mini Skirt.

If you would like to order a Penelope Red Mini Skirt in your size, or in other colour ways, please contact me via email: designer@penelopered.com.au

The Penelope Red Silk Road Winter Dress

I wanted to show you one of my very latest designs! This is the Penelope Red Silk Road Winter Dress. I have shown you the same Winter Tailored Dress style, in other fabrics, before, but it still amazes me how different each of these dresses can look by simply changing the fabric.

Please note these photos were taken with a very simple camera, and the photos are not the best, but I couldn't wait for the photo shoot to show you the design! It will look amazing in the photo shoot, once we have a proper model and a fantastic photographer.



Each of the fabric's featured here are recycled fabrics. The black and white check is a wool blend, the aqua is wool, and the red is made from a synthetic fibre.



I love creating contrast, and the colours really pop out! I used these colours together as they accentuate the shapes of the panelling, and I also think it is something unique.



The dress has been fully lined with red polyester lining (which was recycled too). I love using recycled fabrics, or vintage fabrics, as it means that no one else will have it!



This is a one-off design, and there will be others I can make in other fabrics, but they will never be exactly the same. It will be on sale in the Penelope Red Etsy store in late September/Early October 2009.

Meanwhile, please take a look at the latest Penelope Red photo shoot here.

If you would like to order this style, or want one custom made (and we can discuss other fabrics and colours), then please email me at: designer@penelopered.com.au

Wednesday is Accessory Day! Gorgeous Hats!

I absolutely love hats! They finish off every outfit with that added panache, and they always make a statement. A hat adds glamour with ease!


Pictured above is the Two Tone Cloche Hat, by yellowfield7.

It is such a pity that most people are too afraid to wear them... I guess they do draw quite a bit of attention, but that is only because it is a rarity to see one (well, in Sydney it is).

I guess this is precisely why I love wearing them... because I love going against the grain! I love surprising people with a great hat, and I like to be different from everyone else, and they instantly make me feel glamorous and happy straight away!

I have been eyeing off a few hats on Etsy, and the hats featured are some of my favourites....


The Ornately draped olive/brown cloche hat by yellowfield7.

If you are not a regular hat wearer, just remember to wear your hat with confidence! Stand up straight, and wear a fantastic colour of lipstick, and you are ready!

If you are a regular hat wearer, then fantastic! Let's work together to encourage more people to wear them, by wearing our own!

A great movie to watch, to get you inspired, is Easy Virtue. It stars Jessica Biel and Colin Firth, and the costumes that Jessica wears are just fantastic! Check out the white and black cloche hat. Divine!

The Fifties Fair: Rose Seidler House, 2009

My husband and I visited the 14th Annual Fifties Fair, at Rose Seidler House, yesterday. Such amazing fashion! I love the styling of vintage fashions- as evident in my Penelope Red designs. They represent beauty, quality, and a uniqueness that you generally don't get in today's market (except for Penelope Red, of course!).



I wore my Penelope Red Navy Organza Squiggle Skirt and the Stripe Bow Top, to represent 50's fashion. My hat is from Myer, my shoes were bought when I visited San Francisco about 5 years ago.



Pictured above is Rose Seidler House.


This is the kitchen inside the house. it is amazing to think that this house was built and designed so many years ago, but it still remains a modern tribute to Harry Seidler's wife.


So many girls were dressed up immaculately... heels, headwear, full petticoats, gloves, etc, even though the terrain was not exactly complimentary. I loved so many outfits that the girls wore, and it was very inspiring.


It was also nice to know that there are so many people out there who love getting dressed up for the hell of it, rather than because they have to! Pictured above, are some of the girls who entered the best dressed competition.



One of the finalists pictured above, and below.




Below is the 2nd prize winner.....



And the winner is!...


I also entered the competition. The video is here....

Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar

My husband and I, dined at Sepia Restaurant and Wine Bar, in Darling Park, Sydney, last night.

It was fantastic! We had a seven course Chef Tasting menu, with wines to match. Every course was exquisite- the way it was prepared and cooked; the way it was presented; the wines they had chosen to compliment each course; to the service of the staff.


Above is the Roasted Squab

Sepia seems to have a seafood influence (due to the collaboration between De Costi Seafoods, and Head Chef Martin Benn), and of course, this is fine for most people... but not for some one like me, who dislikes seafood.

However, I was most pleasantly surprised when dining at this restaurant. As we were with a group, the rest of our group had the set menu, which included a large quantity of seafood. For me, they gave me a separate menu, and catered every wine to the changed menu especially for me! I was so happy! Usually, if I ever eat at a seafood inspired restaurant, I generally only have one choice, so this sort of service and choice was completely unexpected, but very appreciated.



I am usually quite reluctant to try new kinds of meat or overly fancy foods, but every item on my menu was delicious, and well worth the plunge into the uncertain world! My favourite was probably the venison.


Above is the Roasted Duck Breast

Every person on our table left feeling very happy with our choice of venue, and I would recommend Sepia to anyone who appreciates gorgeous and interesting food, beautiful wines, fantastic service, and living it up a little!



The menu I had is outlined below. The wines that were matched with each course came from all over the world, including: Australia, France, Italy, Austria, USA, Spain, Greece, and my favourite was the dessert wine: 2006 Royal Tokaji Wine Company 'Ats Cuvee" Late Harvest Furmint from Tokaji, Hungary.


Amuse Bouche

Ballontine of Chicken, Pink Radish, Licorice Powder

Roasted Squab Salad, Confit Potato, Pickled Betroot, and Hazelnut Viniagrette

Chestnut Mushroom Risotto with Mustard Butter and Mushroom Essence

Pan Roasted Aylesbury Duck Breast, Caramelised Fennel, Fennel Candy, Pickled Walnuts, Walnut and orange Jus

Roast Loin of Gippsland Lamb, Crisp Lamb Belly, Braised Dakon, Jerusalem Artichoke, Mushroom Infusion

Seared Loin of Venison with Sansho Pepper, Caramelised Witlof Hearts, Meyer Lemon Puree, Caper and Celery Leaf Jus

Pre Dessert

Citrus Marshmallows, Pineapple Sorbet ,Mint Whip, Coriander Sprouts


This is one of the seafood courses that my Husband had.

The Stitches and Craft Show

My sister and I visited the Stitches and Craft Show yesterday. There were so many stalls/markets to choose from. It was great if you are interested in scrap booking, cross stitch, patchwork, and card making. While there were other stalls concentrating on different crafts, these were the predominant categories.

There were quite a few millinery stalls there- which I loved! I love hats. They make every outfit a glamorous, extravagance. I wish more people wore them, so I wouldn't stand out so much when I wear mine!

A have listed a few of the milliner's that were present there yesterday:

Lin Teo Designs: the below photo is one of her lovely designs.



Hat Box Creations by Denise Bromley- stunning cream straw hat with black bow. Reminded me of the Dior "New Look" hat.
Ph: 9663 4867
denisebromley@optusnet.com.au


Lindsay Clare Couture Millinery - interesting hats using lace, and other unlikely products to produce her hats.

Papillon Hats by Margaret Keeble - Margaret had designed my favourite of the day! A stunning black and white spiralling creation. It is unfortunate I don't have a photo or a website to show you.
110 Rosemead Road, Hornsby
NSW 2077
Ph: 9987 4330

There were also a few hand screen printed textiles sellers. My favourite print of the day was the below design by BKH design. I am planning to make cushions out of it, and I will hopefully post the finished product photos on my blog soon!