CRY BABY CRY: An interview with vintage go to girl and Most Arde...

CRY BABY CRY: An interview with vintage go to girl and Most Arde...: Mudgee's vintage haven. You might be a wannabe bohemian, wanderlust gypsy who just woke up in Byron to the smell of what at f...

An interview with vintage go to girl and Most Ardently owner, Elle Gilbert.

Mudgee's vintage haven.

You might be a wannabe bohemian, wanderlust gypsy who just woke up in Byron to the smell of what at first could be confused as bat shit or a city chick who froths over high-end labels and 'secret' warehouse sales. However, vintage is versatile and can suit any style.  A well tailored, crafted piece can last you decades and be incorporated into any tragic trend which may hit your nearest Valleygirl.  Vintage has us searching op shops far and wide for items with quality structure and fabric.  Whether it has a strong odour of your grandma's armpits or suspicious staining in the crotch is not necessary.



One such vintage lover resides right here in Mudgee, who sources vintage from all over Aus to bring right here to Mudgee for her store 'Most Ardently'.  Elle Gilbert, a local girl, who is a Registered Nurse by day, swooped in on the opportunity to supply Mudgee with all the vintage, grunge and sequins it could possibly require. 





Where does the name “Most Ardently” come from?

I have the alluring Mr Darcy from 'The Pride and the Prejudice' to thank for that. I love how endearing it sounds. 

How did you become inspired to open a store?

I didn't so much as search for the idea of 'Most Ardently', it came to me more as convenience. In my 3rd year of University, I was flipping lounge pillows and scrounging under car seats to add to my savings of around $23 per week. So, as I realised it was rather difficult to make an outfit out of 2 minute noodles, I decided to take my pennies to second hand stores. I would conjure an idea of an outfit in my head, and then try and find items that closely matched that style. I soon discovered the gems people were doing away with. I saw the potential. I fell in love with the idea of giving unwanted clothing a second chance at life.

Describe a Most Ardently customer.

Someone looking to ‘step away from the heard’. 

Are you a born and bred Mudgee local, or from elsewhere?

Born and raised. I have endeavored to leave 7 times. Mudgee has a way of digging its claws in. The fact that it provides an abundance of wine is a clincher also. 

What’s your favourite vintage piece in your wardrobe?

I have a 1950's sequin top made out of Angora rabbit hair (they are shaved and not harmed

Elle, Paris.

at all) and silk. I spotted it whilst strolling through some vintage markets with my Ma. It doesn't suit me and looks terrible on, but I love to see it glisten in my cupboard every time I open the doors. 

I love 70’s fashion.  Is there an era which inspires you most?

I love the 70's also. I feel it was an era where fashion was able to take a breath and relax after the swinging 60’s. Style was anything you wanted it to be. 

What are your favorite Australian brands / designers?

I would love to be able to say something really hip that makes me sound like I should be throwing back Patròn-on-Ice with the cool kids.... But I don't know anything about labels, or brands, or designers, or fashion. 

What is something you can’t live without?

CATS!!!!!!!!

Favorite 80’s movie?

Good Morning Vietnam

Current album on repeat?

A is for Alpine.  I've re-discovered how much I love it.

What celebrity would you love to see decked out in Most Ardently?

Lizzy from Ms Mr, she is amazing.

Where do you source most of your stock for Most Ardently?

Some days it feels like I have to sell my left kidney to find some one-off pieces. And other days, I come across a gold mine. I travel around battling with Nana’s to get a bargain in Op-Shops. I also travel to Byron Bay and hit up Splendor in the Grass every year so I usually come back with new ideas and a whole heap of goodie.

Clothes, that is. 

What are your favorite staples in your wardrobe?

Oversized shirts and anything of Owen’s (my partner).

What is currently in your handbag?

Mimco wallet, screw driver, green-tea bags, deodorant, iPad, a cat collar, ear-phones, book (Keith Richards bibliography), my parents mail and about 46 thousand hair ties. 

QUICKIES

Winter or Summer? Summer until I get over the heat, then Winter until I get over the cold. 

Tea or Coffee? Coffee

Country or Surf? Surf 

Club or Pub? Pub

Heels or flats? I'm 5'10 .... Flats!

Finally, whereabouts can we find your store?

-On Facebook - Search for 'Most Ardently'
-On Instagram @most_ardently_mudgee
-At the Mudgee Lawson Park Markets (2nd Saturday of the month)

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Love at first sight.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!  WITH AMUSE SOCIETY.

Everyone has that one item in their wardrobe that they know they will never wear, probably doesn't suit their body shape and basically just looks pretty average on.  I have a few items like this but basically once I see something that I absolutely loooove, I'm sold.  I'll sell my right kidney to get it and once I do it basically just sits there.

In one instance I had a panic attack over the ownership of a pair of Amuse Society knitted beach bling shorts.  Now, these shorts are just one of those special pieces.  I've only experienced love at first sight a few times in my life (neither with my husband) and these shorts are one of them.  Oblivious to the fact I have a 2 year old, a post-baby body which I've never recovered from, dimples for days and varicose veins galore, I purchased this amazing pair of shorts with all hope that they would be my number one forever.  What the hell did I wear before I owned them?  Needless to say I have never worn them but how amazing are knitted shorts!?!

As modelled by the amazing Tanja in Mudgee, this is what I thought I might look like.  Ummmm a tad ambitious.

Arnhem crochet shorts www.arnhem.co

One Teaspoon Homesick Shorts
Orange
www.oneteaspoon.com.au

The original Amuse Society beach bling shot.
www.amusesociety.com

An interview with the ultimate Likely Lady ...........

An interview with Mudgee's Likely Boutique owner, Kelly Dray.

Although only fresh on the Mudgee fashion scene, Likely Boutique is quickly becoming every local fashionista's hotspot for a quick wardrobe update.  Operating since October 2014, Likely is the inspiration behind Kelly and her four children, Rosie, Charlie, Alix and Ryder.  A born and bread Mudgerian, Kelly combines her knowledge of the town with her ongoing studies in business marketing to enhance the Likely message.  Likely brings a whole new element of fashion to Mudgeetown, affordable yet on trend.  The boutique is located down the sweetest alleyway on Market street, which gives a rustic / urban vibe.

Kelly, Sydney 2014.

Inside Likely Boutique.

 

How did Likely Boutique come about?

I have two teenage daughters and when you add another who is nine and me, that makes four females who all want new outfits.  I felt there was a need to offer the market a boutique that is on trend but with a price point most people are able to justify.

What is the story behind the Likely name?

Likely is a mash up of different words from my life and also a work my dad often used in his vague answer to me as a teenager e.g.. "more than likely".

Who is a Likely Lady?

Our customer is youthful but not necessarily young.  She likes to shop often so she is smart with her money.  She likes to buy a dress, wear it, feel great and not suffer guilt that she may not wear again as she has already been back and bought something else by the following Thursday.

Who is your ultimate muse?

Jane Lu.  Entrepreneur

What is your all time favourite piece in your wardrobe?

Jeans! Always jeans.  You can wear them with havianas or heels.

Who would you LOVE to see in an outfit from Likely?

P!NK

Who are your favourite designers?

I tend not be a designer label girl.  I don't like the idea that it's a bit of an exclusive club for this who can afford it.  I do however like classic pieces and there are many designers with incredible talent but my favourite will always be Coco Chanel.  She was famous for her timeless designs and trademark suits and little black dresses.  I also lover her life story and the challenges she overcame along the way.

What did you wear on your wedding day?

The most beautiful soft pink silk gown with ostrich feathers hand sewn across the bottom.  I owned a handbag I bought from Gorjus Mudgee and I took it to my high school friend, fashion designer and milliner, Jangle Rayner and asked her to make a dress to match.  She did just that and I loved it.  I also had so much fun on the day I destroyed it so it isn't something a daughter could ever cut up and remanufacture which is a shame.

How do you forecast a Likely collection?

I don't read fashion magazines, I don't travel to Sydney to buy.  I just receive emails and go with my gut.  So far, so good.

Favourite place in Mudgee for coffee?

My 13 years of friendship ensures I would always say James at the Butcher Shop is where I love a coffee from.  If I cheat on him it is usually Alby & Esthers or Cafe 89.

QUICKIES

Heels or flats?  

HEELS, every time.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee, always.

Black or colour?

Black, because it is timeless.

Favourite cocktail?

COSMOPOLITAN, not a fan of sweet or milk based drinks.

Winter or summer?

Winter, so you can curl up in love.

Favourite Australian holiday location?

ALICE SPRINGS, has been my holiday to date but I still have 1000 places I haven't been to yet.


You can find Likely Boutique at 95B Market Street, in the alleyway next to Take Miaway.  Follow them on instagram http://instagram.com/likelyboutique/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/likelyboutiquemudgee.  Or shop online @ http://www.likelyboutique.com.au

Our top five mummy muses!

Who doesn't love some style influence, especially when you have kids and your own individual style is shared between you and your offspring. 

1. Nicole Richie

She's the epitome of cool, I mean who else can pull off Minnie Mouse ears so effortlessly chic.  If any of you haven't watched her AOL series Candidly Nicole, she is also HILARIOUS!  Definitely a must see.

2. Jessica Alba

One thing about Jessica Alba, she is beautiful and she makes me uncomfortable.  Yes I quickly change the channel when ads for her movie "Into the Blue" come on so my partner can't compare us.  She has come a long way since that girl next door look.  She has an effortlessly perfect casual style with a flare for interior design.  And can I mention that hair, love!

3.  Kate Moss

Long live Queen Kate!  Kate is the definition of boho street.  I have many girlfriends who would give their first born to be as cool as Kate and who can go past that wedding dress.





4. Gwen Stefani

Did anyone else have a massive girl crush on Gwen in the nineties, and now the naughties? That iconic ice blonde hair and casual street style has us mummies thinking casual is the new glamour.




5.Miranda Kerr

Straight out of Gunnedah.  There is hope for us all.  Miranda Kerr has us all wanting to be her next bff.  She has that perfectly tailored, feminine style, without being too slap together, I could wear a hessian sack supermodel look.  Might I add, how adorable is Flynn!


Follow us on Instagram: @mudgeefblog!

Choo choo choose me...... Valentine's Day dress perfection.

Choo choo choose me .... Valentine's Day dress perfection

Knock you Valentine off his chair this Valentine's Day with one of these outfits guaranteed to get you some wink wink later on.  Shop locally and avoid that annoyingly long country postal wait.

Cherry Red features an amazing collection of figure hugging pencil dresses which we all know are a male favourite, perfectly appropriate for Valentine's Day.  Dresses are priced from $150 - $250 mark but who can put a price on some late night snuggles.  Brands featured include Bec and Bridge and my new flavour of the month the striped Maurie and Eve Fredrica Pencil Dress ($240 - and yes I'm getting one).

 

SHOP NOW: www.archfashion.com.au

For an outfit which won't leaving you whether you can order dessert at Wineglass Bar and Grill, opt for a combo from Likely Boutique.  Loving their 50's inspired two piece sets, but specifically their whit coulettes.  Although not easily accessible, wink wink, these pants will make you feel sexy and sophisticated and can guarantee some head turns, if not by men, definitely by some women.

Likely Boutique open from 9-5 Thursday to get your fix.

SHOP NOW:  www.likelyBoutique.com.au

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @mudgeefblog for daily style inspo.

COUNTRY & GYPSY

What to do when you're housebound with a sick toddler?  Invite your good looking friend over to play in the bath.  Featuring yellow crochet bikini from South of the Border Sydney, Turkish necklace from Frankly My Dear and Spell and the Gypsy Collective maxi kimono.  

Crochet bikinis have made a comeback this summer, however no decade has done it better than the 70's.  The yellow crochet in particular is a 70's trademark, which South of the Border Sydney does oh so well.  Teamed with silver turkish coin necklace, perfect with any outfit, plain or print and a Spell and the Gypsy Collective kimono, every girl should own one.  It's a modern staple for any woman, whether an on trend fashionista or a laid back wanderlust lover.