Art Deco Etsy

Invitation Art Deco SAMPLE by marit522


Part of the Penelope Red Winter Collection was inspired by old Hollywood glamour. When I think of this, I think of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Jean Harlow, Rita Hayworth, and all the old movies I love to watch! I think of old glamour shots of the actresses, and I imagine the glamorous life they led...I wanted to step back in time, so I have featured a few etsy designs that encapsulate this bygone era to me.



The Penelope Red Black Bow Tie Top and Black and Ivory Checked Fluted Skirt



Art Deco peacock - wedding invitation sample set by EnfinLaVoila



OOAK Vintage Art Deco Rhinestone Hair Comb by RomancingTheBling



Excess Ring by whitemetal




PEARL- print of gouache Art Deco style painting by ArtistaStyle



Skyline Wine Glass by mootinis

Paris Bow Top featured on stylecollective.com.au

On Monday, the Penelope Red Paris Bow Top was featured on the stylecollective website! Amanda from stylecollective asked me to feature the top along with other designers' items that fit the theme. Take a look at the stylecollective feature to view the items that I chose.

Australia Day at The Rocks Market

I spent the Australia Day public holiday selling my Penelope Red designs at The Rocks Markets in Sydney.



I was situated in Playfair Street, surrounded by beautiful old buildings, and you could see the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background, so I thought it was a great opportunity for some photos.

(the above two photos were taken before it became too crowded, when we first set up)


It was a great day- loads of people, lovely weather, and performers floating around through out the crowds all day.



Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds!

New styles for Jan/Feb 2010

Since I will be attending the Rocks markets for 3 days over the coming weekend/Australia Day, I have been busy creating some new styles.

This is just a quick look at the latest styles...



The Penelope Red Pink Sweetheart Blouse



The Penelope Red Black Gold Kimono. This is now available to buy online at etsy too.



and the Penelope Red Pink Pleated Blouse,

All Penelope Red garments and designs are handmade by myself, and all have unique detailing and design- something that I like to call the Penelope Red panache!

I will be at The Rocks Markets this Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Tuesday 26th January. My location is on the corner of George Street and Jack Munday Place, opposite the Guylian Chocolate shop. Hope to see you there!

City Snapshot: Budapest

Virtually five years ago, I visited the beautiful city of Budapest. This was before I started Penelope Red; and before I had been to Russia- so for me, Budapest was the most unique city from all the others I had been to thus far.


I can't remember the names of the sites, or facts about the city, but I do remember feeling lucky to have visited... especially since it was not overrun by foreigners like most other European cities. Budapest still had it's own unique flavour. Although the old Austria/Hungary ties are still there (you can really see it in the architecture on one side of the town especially), there is a definite Eastern feel that you don't get in any of the West European cities. It is really hard to describe- you really just have to be there.



The currency took a while to get used to... it was something like 200 HUF to 1 AUD.


The train ride there was interesting too... tour guides and others would board the train and try to sell to you what they have. We actually booked a tour on the train; we were a little sceptical at first, but when the tour operator didn't ask us for the money, and said that we would pay the tour guide in person, we thought he must be ok. The tour was actually excellent- a lady who spoke perfect English, who drove my friend and I around to all of the different sites and was very informative.



I spent quite a bit of time in the markets, and looking at embroidered table cloths etc. They were stunning! Such bright colours on a white background, all hand made. Besides fabric, it was probably the most expensive item I bought on the entire trip, but it was worth it. I have them on my dressing table now, and every time I look at them, I am reminded of my trip.




I would recommend Budapest to anyone who would like to visit a city in Europe that is very different from the rest, who doesn't necessarily want to loose the conveniences of the Western cities.

Most of the younger generation can speak English (and with the older generation you can kind of get away with using a few phrases of German.).

A great city to start your Eastern European experience from!

Viva La Moda Magazine: Issue #7 Out Now

The latest Viva La Moda online magazine is out now. You can view it for free on the website here:



Completely filled with handmade, independant designs and designers.

Penelope Red at The Rocks Market: 23rd, 24th and 26th Jan

I will be trading at The Rocks Markets this coming Saturday (23rd) and Sunday (24th) of January, as well as the Australia Day Public Holiday, the 26th January. I can't wait! The trading hours are 10am til 5pm.

I have some new styles to show off, and hopefully I will have enough time to post a little sneak preview on the blog before the weekend... wish me luck!

Wednesday is Accessory Day! Pretty in Pink

The following designers were kind enough to feature one of my designs in their treasury recently, so I had a look at their shops on etsy- they all have some lovely designs, and I thought I would share them with you.

Pink is such a great colour, with many possibilities, so this is a small showcase of pink from Etsy!

Bruised Pink.. thin resin bangle set by MilkwoodDesign. I love the 2 tone thick bangle!

Nouveau Floral - hand painted silk crepe de chine luxury scarf by MuseSilkPaintings. Aren't the colours just fabulous!?

Set of Two Valentines Day Pink and Red Saddle Stitch Ribbon Bow Non Slip Hair Clips by VanillaPixie

Such sweet lil' hair clips!

The Penelope Red Emerald Kimono

Introducing the Penelope Red Emerald Kimono. It really is a very striking design- it has been made from a border print, and I have placed the dark border panel going down the front to create length and a dramatic look!


Part of the border pieces have been used across the yoke- this helps the shoulders to look wider. The paler pieces of fabric have been used on the sleeves and the back (with darker edges towards the side seams- again creating a very flattering line).



The photos don't really do the print justice- it looks so much more alluring in real life- but they will have to do!




There is actually a seam running down the centre back- but as you can see from this photo, I have matched up the print beautifully!



The inside of every Penelope Red garment is always as neat as the outside. In this design I have used white overlocking to finish off the seam edges.





A great style with jeans, pants or a fitted skirt. The Emerald Kimono is now available for purchase in the Penelope Red etsy store.

More photos of the Bohemian Kurti Blouse

I have already done another blog post about the Penelope Red Bohemian Kurti Blouse, but since then this style has been modified (I have now attached the braid around the perimeter of the whole sleeve hem), and I now have new photos to show to you...



The Bohemian Kurti Blouse is now available to purchase in the Penelope Red etsy shop.

There are splits on either side from the hem up to the hip area.


There are small pleats going down the front and back of the garment.



the inside of each Penelope Red garment is as neat as the outside!



This style is great with or without a belt, and you can wear it with jeans, pants or a skirt. Take a look at the other blog posting to see it worn with pants.