This Retro Life

You've probably read her books, seen her on TV or follow her sewing, vintage or steampunk pages on social media. Tara Moss has been on a fabulous vintage journey like the rest of us and is now able to thread a love of old things into everything she does. So find out why she rescues pieces, how she learnt to sew and why for her vintage = self care! 

At the Parkes Elvis Festival we were lucky enough to chair a symposium into the music that influenced Elvis Presley. Joining Kia Handley on stage was Louisiana musician Bernard Pearce, music journalist Glenn A Baker and Australian Elvis Tribute Artist Mark Andrew. 

How often do you wear a hat? When it's sunny outside or you're going to a special event - how do you think you'd go wearing a hat or headpiece 365 days a year! That's what milliner Ilana Meilak would like us all to do. She's been collecting pieces of vintage headwear since she was 8 years old! Hit play to hear how she turned this love into her work at House of Hats. 

We're kicking off 2018 with a story all about family, perfect for the festive season. How two mothers ended up involved in their daughters passions. One who wanted to ensure her daughter made friends with a common interest, and another who has been able to bond over a love of vintage. In this episode meet the incredible Miss Cherrybomb, a pinup who's competed around the world, has the best sense of humour and personality and an infectious passion for old things. 

It's like a Cinderella story, when across a crowded vintage store you spot the perfect vintage shoe.  As you approach it you dare to dream that this 100 year old beauty feels at home on your foot and then..... it's perfect! It's moments like this that inspired Bernice Bell's love of the 1920's and 1930's. Hear about her incredible style and collection in this episode. 

Could the vintage community be the secret weapon to fighting online trolls? This is the question being asked by the incredible mind of Miss Lillian Rose who has combined academia with her passion for vintage and old things. So what is the answer? Hit play to find out.

Bustles, stays, rumps and hoops! Get ready to tight lace your corset because we're going back to the 18th century. In this episode meet a woman who brings 1700's fashion to life in 2017, that has created a business around historic and vintage dress and has just released a book to teach you to be 1700's fabulous today! Meet Lauren Stowell from American Duchess. 

It's our first birthday! We have been telling modern vintage stories for a year now and to celebrate we sit down with one of the incredible minds behind the online magazine Retro Betty. So get comfy, maybe in the backseat of a classic car, because this week we're going cruising with Kirsty Wallett aka Francie Flathead.

We went behind the scenes of the Pinup Doll Australia finals held at Chromefest in NSW, Australia. The winner gets a golden ticket to the Miss Pinup International contest in London. So come inside the backstage tent and meet the wonderful finalists and men and women behind an event that grows each and every year. 

How does one man end up with over 1500 pieces of vintage Pyrex? It starts with just one. Then slowly grows and grows and becomes more and more addictive. But for Stan from That Retro Piece his love of Pyrex has turned into a resource for others and a world first book. We go down the dangerously obsessive (in a fun way) road of Pyrex collection in this episode. 

From perm machines that look like they might electrocute you to leave in hair rollers made of metal, beauty through the ages hasn't always been painless. But thanks to those inventions we now have the technology today that makes recreating vintage looks so much easier. Michelle Coursey is the makeup artist and vintage fashionista behind My Vintage Love and our guest this week

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are preparing for takeoff so could you please make sure your tray tables and seats are in the upright position, your vintage hat is cocked at the correct angle and that you're ready to take to the skies in a vintage warbird. Your pilot for this adventure is The Flying Pinup. I hope you enjoy your ride. 

What was the first vintage clothing item you owned? For many of us it can be hand me downs that end up int eh dress up box. We might only wear them around the house. But Miss Baltimore Bombshell was different. The second she found herself in the possession of a box of polyester beauties she knew she was onto something that made her happy and she bucked the teenage trend to rock old clothes whenever she could. Now, she's a modern vintage lass with an incredible story to tell. 

This week we're travelling to Norway to meet the reigning Miss Pinup International. This week Miss Chan Delier will hand over her crown and title to another fabulous lady. But before she does let's find out more about this passionate vintage lover, what makes her tick and about the vintage scene in Norway. 

Step inside some of the best mid century modern homes in the world. We are taking a trip into homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Alto, Charles and Ray Eames and so many more. What started as a passion for vases in a flea market has turned into a full blown passion for vintage architecture for Marco  Guagliardo. So hit play and meet the man behind Mid-Century Home. 

This episode needs to be consumed with a delicious, piping hot cup of tea. Because it's one of the things guest Emileigh Rogers loves to do. Paired with a love for vintage, a passion for blogging and a love of connecting with people Emileigh is one of the most interesting and lovely people you can meet. So pop the kettle on, brew the pot and as you sip enjoy this weeks episode. 

Say cheese! This week is all about vintage photography. But we aren't looking at magazine spreads of the 1980's. Glamour shots of the 1950's. We are going all the way back to the 1800's. When carnivals had a tent with a man, a trunk and an odd looking machine that would capture your image for ever. Today we're looking at wet plate photography and how Melbourne based photographer Sophie Caligari is keeping this old technique alive all these centuries later. 

Passion for true crime is everywhere at the moment. Podcasts, books, articles and general conversation. But most true crime lovers tend to focus on modern history. Not Richard Jones from the True Crime Historian podcast. He is all about the vintage scoundrels that caused trouble from the late 1800's until early 1940's. So this week on This Retro Life we are taking a look at vintage and historic crime. 

Time to meet another amazing pinup who is off to London in September to compete at Miss Pinup International. Miss Emerald Elle hails from Ireland and is a pinup, burlesque dancer, vintage lover and World War Two reenactor! She started the Irish Pinups Facebook page and is one of the many people behind getting Ireland vintage scene and talent known! 

Howdy partners this week we are off to find out if things really are bigger in Texas. You need to pack your sequins, big hair and excess energy because we are about to go go dance with The Pistolettes. They might be named after bread but there's nothing crumby about this group of retro dancers! Hit play to be transported directly to the swinging 60's! 

This podcast is about to get a little bit glamorous. Prepare to be wrapped in luxury. We are lounging around in our best silk and satin vintage wear for a night in with Melissa Heart, the creator of Evette Dubois Lingerie. So step back in time to an age where what we wore underneath our clothes deserved just as much attention. So hit play and enter a 1920's lingerie shop in the heart of Paris. 

Did you know Marilyn Monroe loved to write poetry? Not only that between takes on a movie set she could often be found with her nose in a book. So do we still have an appreciation for mid century literature today like we do fashion? This is one of the questions vintage lover Paris Brown has been asking as part of her university study. So hit play and find out more about the stories that have inspired our modern vintage loves! 

We love vintage hats! And the art of millinery and hat wearing dates back into the middle ages. So let's bring back our daily connection with hats and perhaps learn something about ourselves along the way. We want you to meet Waltraud Reiner the brain behind the Hatmobile, a travelling hat making workshop that combines millinery and mental health in these modern times! 

Have you ever tried one of those miracle diets? The ones that you see online that can help you lose weight overnight or in a matter of weeks. Turns out it's not a new phenomenon. Advertisement of miracle weight loss cures can be seen early in the 20th century. Kitty Von Tastique is a vintage girl with a passion for health and wellness. She's the Wellness editor for Vintage Life Magazine and this week takes you through diets of the past! 

Picture this. You're wearing your favourite summer vintage outfit, the sun is out, you're with friends and it feels like you are flying. This week we are virtually travelling over bridges, past windmills in one of the most picturesque countries in the world. We are going Roller Skating in the Netherlands with the Rollin' Ragdolls. Find out how skating and vintage goes hand in hand and have a bit of fun along the way! 

Start your engines. Picture your dream vintage camper trailer and get ready to go on an across country road trip of the United States of America. The third stop on our virtual vintage voyage is California to meet Paul Lacitinola from Vintage Camper Trailers. Prepare yourself! If you don't want a vintage caravan now, you probably will after you hit play! 

Time for stop two on our virtual vintage voyage around the world for the month of June. When you think of Art Deco architecture what city comes to mind? Was it somewhere in America or Europe. What about Shanghai? Thanks to international architectures in the mid 20th century the Chinese city has some hidden Art Deco gems that are being bought to the worlds attention thanks partly to Patrick Cranley from Shanghai Art Deco. Hit play and learn more

For the month of June we are going on a virtual vintage voyage around the world. Pack a suitcase and get your passport ready because we are travelling to far flung places to meet incredible retro folk. Our first stop is Barcelona Spain. Say Hola to the beautiful Miss Sixties Twist! 

Just how big is your collection of vinyl records? Whether you have 1 or 1000 have you ever thought about what it would be like to take your favourites to a groovy bar and spend the night behind the turntables playing DJ! With the Melbourne Record Club you can thanks to Leif van den Dungen! 

Ok so would you class 3150BC as vintage? Because that's where we are going in this weeks episode. In fact we are going to straddle ancient Egypt, 1800's America and the 1920's. It sounds impossible but Dr Colleen Darnell does it with ease. She loves old stuff and we loved talking to her about being an Egyptologist with a 1920's flare!

We've decided to run away and join the circus. To join a troupe of daring, dangerous and delightful performers. And our leader is the incredible Adele La Belle, the pint sized pinup and Hula Hoop artist. This week we discover how vintage, pinup competitions, psychobilly, Olympic coaches and Hula Hoop all come together to create one pretty fabulous retro life!

Are you ready to go into the heart of the Australian bush? To a place where it's not uncommon to see Emus walking down the main street, a city that was booming in the 1960's and has held on to a number of vintage gems! Welcome to Broken Hill, now pull up a chair and prepare to enjoy a traditional 1950's milkshake at Bells Milk Bar, the longest running milk bar in Australia. 

There is a new queen of the pinup world. In April at the 20th anniversary of the Viva Las Vegas festival Miss Monique Sweet became the 2nd New Zealander to be crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas. So what does it take and what's next for Miss Viva Las Vegas 20? 

Are you ready to go go go go dancing? We are partying like it's 1965 this week. Get ready to do the twist, the watusi, the banana in short skirts, high boots and big hair! There's a troupe of Go-Go dancers based in Perth, Australia, that are keeping the 1960's dance moves alive. Come boogie with Lucy Watusi from the Beehives Go-Go Dancers!! 

We are off to the capital of Australia this week. Canberra. Where you are about to meet someone who is an artist, blogger, vintage lover, mother, wife, horse lover and so much more! Meet Bonita from Lavender and Twill and hear about her vintage passion

Are you ready to go on an adventure around the world? We are starting in Brisbane Australia and  after a journey around the world we'll finish in the Burlesque scene of Berlin Germany. This weeks guest is known as the 'Queen of the Quiver", she has started two successful burlesque schools and still travels around the world performing. Ladies and Gentlemen meet La Viola Vixen!

What does pinup, vintage, cosplay and a west highland terrier called Archie all in common? The answer is Melanie! This weeks guest is a writer, vintage vixen, cosplayer and all round lovely lady. We talk about everything from baking to burlesque puns! 

Sometimes you meet people who have a huge impact on your life. Larissa Camilleri aka Miss Lexi Heart is one such person. She is a beautiful pinup doll who has fought through so much to find her confidence and build a pinup community around her. And now, as she battles heart disease, the Australian pinup community is giving back to get Lexi to London for Pinupdoll International!

What does Johnny Depp's foot, a wardrobe full of vintage western shirts and an Australian academic have in common? Find out in our chat with Chris Gibson. 

Sometimes you happen upon an instagram feed and it's like love at first sight! You have to start watching yourself because as your scroll through the old photos you know you're going to look like a stalker hitting like on every photo you see from the last year or more! That's what happened when we found Ally from the Vintage Valley (sorry for all the notifications Ally!) Know it's your turn to meet this beautiful, funny vintage stylist and blogger!

Today we are going shopping! Op shopping! We are hitting the thrift stores around Melbourne with tour guide Ellen Hookey. She is the founder of the Op Shop 'Til You Get Enough tours and has a knack of finding the best vintage finds in the most unlikely places! So get your pennies ready because this week we are out to find a bargain! 

Today we are featuring our first international guest! We are heading to New Zealand to meet a vintage lover, a pinup, baker, advocate and lover of old stuff Miss Charlotte Cake. We talk about the challenges of retro baking in a modern world (gelatin salad anyone) and how the vintage community in New Zealand is growing. 

Some might call it an obsession. But here at this Retro Life we call it a healthy passion. Marc Rondeau is the owner of The Rock House and he not only loves music from the 1950's he loves EVERYTHING from that decade. From furniture to fashion. Hear Marc's vintage story. 

We aren't sure if Susie was joking when she said Sarah's love of vintage comes from being thrown in dumpsters looking for vintage finds. What we do know is that this mother daughter duo share a love for vintage and have channeled that in everything from a clothing store to radio program! You can't help but smile when you listen to these two banter so settle in and enjoy!

This weeks guest used rockabilly to help settle into her life in Australia. Her love of all things mid century has led her to meet  the man of her dreams and on top of that she is involved in running a global pinup movement! Her name is Laila Shalimar. 

Vintage inspiration can be found in all sorts of places from Hollywood stars of the past to fashion icons. But sometimes the inspiration can be a little closer to home. Marjorie May Fair's grandmother held the key to her vintage heart and it's lead her to helping others find their vintage style! 

"How do you do that?" It's one of the common questions for women wanting to start perfecting their vintage look. So we bought together a vintage stylist and a few beautiful pinups to get a little insight into creating a great vintage look! 

How far would you go for your retro passion? Would you travel for over 24 hours to spend just 3 days at an Elvis festival? Meet a  beautiful couple from Japan who did just that in Parkes! 

What a day! Street parades, the winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest announced, dancing until the wee hours of the morning! Day 4 really delivered and you can catch all the action here!

Today was all about the Elvii! It was time for the Elvis Tribute Artists to shine. Those who are travelling the world making and living through to others who have the desire and dream to be the next best thing. So what does it take to be a great Elvis Tribute Artist? Find out while meeting some of the best in the business!

Day two of the festival is done and I am pooped! What a day. Trains, feathers, sequins, jumpsuits, music, dancing and so much more! Thank you Parkes Elvis Festival

Get  a taste of the music, characters and fashion at the 25th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival in regional New South Wales Australia

Something a little bit different this week. We are off to the 25th anniversary of the Parkes Elvis Festival. So watch your podcast feed because there's a lot of fabulous Elvii coming your way! 

There is nothing like hitting the open road. Tunes (or podcasts) on the radio, an exciting destination ahead of you and some vintage wheels getting you there. For Hayley Cooke, aka Miss Vee Dub that set of wheels needs to be a vintage Volkswagen! She spoke about fixing up her 1965 Beetle Baymax, finding her own pinup style and how the two passions fit together. 

Music holds a lot of power. It can make us feel, remember and even do things! For Michael "Memphis" Williams his love of music has taken him around the world, had him speaking to police officers in strange locations and even sleeping in Elvis Presley's old bedroom. The host of the Rattlin' Bones and Retro Tones radio show loves sharing old and new vintage rock and roll, pop and rockabilly music. He also has an impressive collection of Elvis memorabilia! 

If you think vintage dresses and drag racing don't go together then you need to meet our guest. Miss Dale Velvet Rose is a pinup model, competitor and mentor. She is a business owner and a drag racer and is an inspiration for many women who are looking to embrace their inner retro. 

If you need an escape from the endless Christmas carols look no further! We are going to soothe your Christmas ears with music of a different kind. Rockabilly songstress Shelley Minson is our guest this week. 

Anyone can transform into a vintage guy and doll. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of guidance, research and the perfect vintage outfit. Evelyn Wood runs Vintage Fashion House and creates beautiful, authentic clothes using original patterns from the 1920's to 1950's. Step into the world of rayon hem tape, metal zippers and couture!!

Are you ready to enter a world full of feathers, sequins, beautiful ladies and nipple tassels. Welcome to the world of burlesque and meet the beautiful and talented Miss Kelly Ann Doll. Find out how she found her way to burlesque, how her art could of lead to her arrest and hear about the incredible art of strip tease. 

If you love the 1950's then this is the episode for you. Enter a world full of original 1950's cars, toys, collectibles, music, fashion and so much more. Glen Jennings is a collector like no others and he takes inside his museum, Lost in the 50's. 

Get ready to lace yourself in! Today we are talking about corsets, girdles, suspender belts, stockings and so much more. We enter the world of vintage lingerie and discover pieces of lingerie history and bust some bizzare corset myths! 

If you have a love of vintage cars, furniture, style and music then you have to meet Kat Creasey! In episode one of This Retro Life meet this incredible woman who started her rockabilly business in high school, is now running some of the biggest pop up events in Australia and living a completely vintage life.

Find out more about this brand new podcast dedicated to telling the stories of modern guys and dolls who live a retro life. A little taste of what you can expect each week!