Just got my newsletter from the Bustline and read about another great contest. This one from Dr. Martens.

This is your chance to show the world your talent. Choose your canvas: the 8-hole or the 14-hole boot. Use pens, use paint, use whatever. Use your imagination. Dr. Martens provided some tools on their site. Or if you want, you can use your own. They will have two winners! One voted for by the people. The other chosen by a panel of industry insiders. You enter it. Dr. Martens will make them. You’ll see them in shops. Worldwide.

• Dr. Martens Site
• Dr. Martens Boot Design Contest
• Bust.com

I found the RetroMe through Fashionspace yesterday and had to post this great summer dress with the wrap around collar. This is called Holiday in St. Tropez and is available to order here. I think I love these big collars as much as I like peblums. Come to think of it, they’re very similar.

RetroMe is based in Poland and

updates a timeless look. Referring to the very best trends of past decades transfers in modern way leading motives of retro clothes. The latest collection is a fresh look at the 60s. In every dress you can find refined simplicity and precise cut to bring back 60’s-full silhouette. (from RetroMe)

I’ve been inspired by by visit to the Woodstock Museum this past weekend. I’m going to sell my fringed leather drawstring shoulder bag. If you’re interested in purchasing this piece of sixties nostalgia, please leave a comment for me here or email me at cath (at) allchic.com. and I’ll be happy to send you details. Otherwise look for it soon on my All Chic Shop. I just have to get busy with some more photos.

Much disappointment that the Ringo Starr Concert was cancelled last night at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (the site of Woodstock). Apparently a truck carrying equipment for the band broke down at the Canadian border. We visited the museum (which was just okay) but the surrounding countryside was beautiful.

In anticipation of the Ringo Starr concert tomorrow night at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center, I was looking for information about the Apple Boutique in London. I found this great post at Nicola’s Vintage Boutique’s Blog. She talks about “The Fool” and the rise and fall of the Apple Boutique.

On July 30th 1968 the Apple staff were told to open the doors the next day and give the stock away. John and Yoko were the first to go through the store, they walked away with arms full of merchandise that they piled into John’s Rolls Royce. Paul found one jacket and Ringo said he couldn’t find anything that fit. The giveaway was publicised in the newspaper and the next morning there was a line up outside the store three blocks long. There was no limit to how much stock people could take. It was so busy that they opened the basement so that customers could go right out the other side. (read more)

Sounds like fun!

Nicola has a terrific vintage shop at Etsy. Check out her 60’s Vintage Gauze Bohemian Balloon Sleeve Mini-Dress by margaret godfrey for Bagatelle.

tokidoki Dress $57

tokidoki is the Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand created in 2005 by Italian artist Simone Legno and his business partners Pooneh Mohajer and Ivan Arnold. tokidoki produces apparel and other products using art and iconic characters designed by Simone Legno.

Harajuku Lovers Plaid Dress $54.95 (Sale)

Harajuku (”meadow lodging”) is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan. The area is known internationally for its youth style and fashion. Harajuku street style is promoted in Japanese and international publications such as Kera, Tune, Gothic & Lolita Bible and Fruits.

The Coveted Shoppe has a wonderful pair of Pierre Cardin vintage gladiator-style sandals for sale.  These have a snake-embossed leather upper and a leather sole. Size 38 EUR and 7.5 US.

The thing I like about The Coveted Shoppe is that I always see something posted there that inspires me to resuscitate something that may be hidden in the back of my closet. Like this Disco Diva Satin Blouse which reminds me of a cranberry silk puffy sleeved blouse I have hanging in there somewhere.

Other reasons to love The Coveted:

1. You can spend hours getting lost in the The Coveted Blog.
2. The Coveted’s Ms. Jennie Tamm is also the founder of the fashion bloggers’ hub –  Independent Fashion Bloggers.

I saw this picture in the DailyMail yesterday and couldn’t stop thinking about it today as I dragged myself around town trying to run a few errands. The photo may be digitally enhanced but it’s still amazing that she’s 59 years old!

• Meryl Streep (IMDB)
• Mamma Mia (the movie)

In addition to her quirky line-drawing on T’s and hoodies, Myra Stuart from Tea and Oranges has a new collection – Tea and Oranges Sustain. This collection features exclusive one off pieces made from recycled materials. Handmade from start to finish, Myra creates fresh takes on classic garment shapes, prints, applique and embroidery constructed every garment and accessory using 100% recycled quality fabrics. Even the packaging is bio-degradable. 

If you’re lucky enough to live in London you can find Tea and Oranges Sustain at the Sunday UpMarket at The Old Truman Brewery.

• Interview with Myra Stuart, creator of Tea and Oranges 
• Tea and Oranges – Online Shop at FashionSpace.com - check out Sulky Susie T – my favorite!
• Tea and Oranges – Online Shop at TheHiddenWardrobe.com

Oh! The Visa Swap sounds like so much fun! You can trade in your old favorite designer and high street clothing and receive a Visa Swap card loaded with points relative to what you donate. Then take your card to No. 1 Piazza at Covent Garden and pick out some new vintage designer items. This is the second year for the Visa Swap and it all happens during June and July. All items which have not been swapped by the end of the event will be donated to charity.

And who’s the face for Visa Swap 2008? Our own Lindsay Lohan, of course.  Who knew she was a fan of vintage? Read the Daily Mail piece here.

Now here’s something you don’t see very often. Gaiterettes! These are handmade by LesFrivolites from Quebec.

Here’s what the designer has to say about them:

This pair of Gaiterettes or shoe embellishelent is inspired from a fancy antique pair of victorian boots. As a victorian boots collector, I found this alternative to have the victorian look without causing damage to my collection. Its an easy way to totally change the look of your favorite pair of summer shoes. Be creative and try them with a colored pair of stockings! They are made of black leather with a wax finish, lined leather. The open pattern let s show your leg. The 2 metal shank buttons are functional.The buttons imitated a greek silver coin aged.An elastic under the shoe hold the gaiterettes.

What a great way to dress up a pair of plain black pumps!

See more here:

• LesFrivolites Shop

• LesFrivolites Blog

Thehiddenwardrobe is  another terrific site to find the work of new designers including feegee. The Chloe dress (above) comes from their debut collection “Urban Elegance.” I love the 20’s flapper influence and the hand-dyed fabrics. And each piece is one-off!

A bit about feegee -

Seraphina has been designing and making one-off pieces for independent boutiques in Cornwall and London since she graduated 3 years ago, also running stalls at Camden and Spitalfields.

Keen to develop the designs, she teamed up with sister Tamsin and together they launched feegee at the beginning of 2008 from their dressmaking studio in North London. The feegee look is inspired by a need to marry style with comfort. The pieces are always easy to wear,  adaptable, perfect for layering but strong enough to wear alone. (read more)

I found Regenerate Clothing through my new Facebook All Chic business page. Here’s three things I love about Regenerate.

1. I love that Regenerate’s shirts and hoodies are hand printed with neon and metallic inks and are available to buy in organic fabrics on sweat shop free ethical t-shirts. 
2. I love that Regenerate takes inspiration from the Music Industry. As a musician, and as the mother of the most avid Doors fan in the world (the keyboardist for Land Of Ineptitude), I wish I had that Jim Morrison Hoody Dress shown above. 
3. I love that Regenerate was “established with the mission to make the world a little happier and a lot better dressed by ethically invigorating its wearers.”

• Regenerate 
• Regenerate on Facebook
• Regenerate on MySpace

June 2008 marks the first birthday at diva in a carryon! To celebrate, they’re having giveaways every week during the month of June for readers in the USA. Just send a quick email to divainacarryon@gmail.com with your name,  address,  email address and phone number to be entered into the weekly drawing!