 On the Telegram today, we remind everyone who has a copy of our Exotica issue to enter the draw to win a Vintage Auckland Getaway worth over $500 at the Esplanade Hotel before the 31st October deadline, catch up with Grant who owns this grand historic dame and get Amber La Vintage's insider scoop on the best things to see and do in Devonport! One of the Glory Days team's favourite things to do is discover all the hidden vintage treasures and ferret out the best places for a high tea in each town we pass through. So much so, that we decided very early on in the Glory Days journey to have a section dedicated to our meanderings called This Vintage Town. We have featured Christchurch, the Manawatu, Dunedin, Wellington, Paeroa, Melbourne and would love to eventually uncover the whole world's vintage gems for our readers. If you know of a town that we should feature please get in touch!  This issue we had the very talented Danielle from Devel Men and Women take us on a tour of greater Auckland. To read about all her top picks you can buy your copy online here! As part of her tour she visited the historic seaside area of Devonport, and we contacted Grant from the stunning Esplanade Hotel to see if he would be able to offer one lucky reader a night's stay. He kindly agreed and we are excited to partner with The Esplanade Hotel in Devonport, Auckland to offer our readers an amazing Vintage Auckland Getaway worth over $500! The fabulous prize includes:
To be in to win, simply purchase a copy of Glory Days issue 11, find the secret code on page 77 and enter your details HERE! Make sure you get your entry in quick, the draw closes this Saturday the 31st October at 8pm!  The Esplanade Hotel under construction over 100 years ago! We had a quick catch up with Grant Gillon, owner of the Esplanade, recently and heard about his journey into hotel ownership life! Hi Grant, how long have you owned the Esplanade Hotel? One year in November so it is coming up to our first birthday! What drew you to life as a heritage hotel owner? Kirsty and I love New Zealand history and the Esplanade reflects over 100 years of heritage in the historic suburb of Devonport. What is your favourite part of owning such an iconic building? It's meeting so many people who have had a connection with the hotel over the decades. Each has a story to tell or an experience that shows just how much the hotel has been part of the community. Do you have any favourite stories about or guests that have stayed at the hotel that you can share with us? A visitor came to have lunch one summer's day. She lives in a rest home but some cruise ship passengers, who knew her, picked her up and brought her to he Esplanade. She said she used to be a maid at the hotel during the war years and loved being back again for lunch. Also, last Christmas a group of three men and three women dined with us. The three men were grandsons of the builder Mr Grandison. They met up for dinner every year at Christmas time at the Esplanade. The building has been part of so many lives. It's wonderful.  Devonport is a gorgeous place for vintage lovers and we asked local lady and vintage clothing aficionado Amber of Viva La Vintage fame (pictured above) to offer us her top Devonport spots. Things to do... I just love a movie in the Art Deco historical Vic. The theatres are there oldest on the Southern Hemisphere. You can really imagine you are their in the swinging 20s plus on Tuesday's its $10 night! Beaches... Cheltenham for a walk, Torpedo bay for a serious swim and fish n chips on the beach (from Riba's fish n chips). Galleries... Art by the Sea (above left) or any exhibition showing at Flagstaff both with great New Zealand contemporary art. Coffee... Corellis cafe for the best coffee, food and local artists, sculptors and live music (pictured right). Second hand vintage... The Cheltenham Curiosity shop in the Vauxhall Road shops (pictured above) has a wonderful selection of secondhand collectables and treasures! Our store Viva La Vintage for vintage clothing, accessories and furniture... and The Vintage Kitchen which sells vintage fine bone china, which can be found within our studio.
You can find us online on Instagram as Viva la Vintage on Facebook and soon on our website. Our Devonport studio is open every Saturday 10am-4pm or by appointment. Simply email lavivavintage@gmail.com to come and see our collection!
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 Halloween is nearly upon us and what better excuse is there to dress up and embrace your inner Vampira! Forget those truly terrifying costumes that come out of a packet and look scary for all the wrong reasons, Rita Sue has given us their top five picks top take your Halloween wardrobe to hauntingly good new heights!
MEDUSA: We love the Snakes and Skulls tattoo dress by Vanessa Kelly Clothing (NZ) $195. Pair this with the amazing “Snakes Alive” head-dress by Mean Streak Vintage* (NZ) $175 for the complete Medusa look. Both Vanessa Kelly and Mean Streak create one-off designs so you will be sure to stand out from the crowd!
LITTLE MONSTER: For the sassy monster we have the Bride of Frankenstein dress by Banned (UK) $110 or if you prefer wearing the pants we have this design on a black bolero cardi (Banned) $60.
WITCHES OR DEVILS: With built in shapewear the Monica dress by Pin-Up Girl (USA) $230 is the perfect choice for a wicked witch (black) or a sexy devil (red). A great excuse to buy this flattering, figure-hugging dress that will become a staple for those special nights out. DAY OF THE DEAD: Match up the colourful Vanessa Kelly Clothing* Sugar Skulls skirt $110 with the Collectif (UK) Penny top $60NZD and top it off with the stunning “Floral Fan” Head dress by Mean Streak Vintage* Now all you will need is some face-paint to celebrate Día de Muertos.  GOTHIC GIRL: Restyle’s (EUR) black velvet and organza dress and the Banned Skull Cameo cardigan pair well for a classic Gothic look. Necklace by Fortune Favours (NZ) $25. If you are tempted to go glam for Halloween you can purchase any of these items from Rita Sue's online store, or fly in on your broomstick to visit them in St Kevin's Arcade! Once you have nailed your Halloween outfit you will of course need the perfect party to show it off! In Auckland there are two events that will have you howling at the moon and doing the timewarp again. For more on the Voodoo Halloween Tiki Party click here, or the Very Rocky Horror Halloween click here. Glory Days wishes you a ghoulishly good Halloween night out!
 Credit: Still from Tami's latest video Lonely, featuring Marlon Williams Glory Days guest reviewer, Kathryn van Beek, shares her thoughts on the new album Don't Be Afraid, by our Country Issue cover star and multi-award winning singer/ songwriter Tami Neilson, and we let you know how you can win a copy of the latest album, her previous album Dynamite on LP, and a copy of the Country Issue signed by the lady herself! In real life, singer Tami Neilson has a glossy black bangs, a wardrobe of wiggle dresses and enormous Bambi eyes (perfectly captured by artist Misery in the album booklet). There’s no denying the lady’s one hot mama – but when her voice leaks from the speakers on opening song and title track Don’t Be Afraid, it sounds like something that’s been squeezed from the earth rather than from the lungs of a mortal woman. On this track her voice is as old as the Bible, as fresh as a daffodil and as soulful as a choir of sinners in purgatory singing for salvation.  Credit: Film still from Walk (Back to Your Arms) music video Tami’s from a musical family, and she performed with her family’s country band The Neilsons in Canada before immigrating to New Zealand. This album is heavily influenced by the death of Tami’s father Ron, who has a writing credit on two of the songs – including Lonely, which he started writing back in 1972. The album’s a love letter from Tami to her dad – but such is the magic of music that it’s also a full-throttle party starter, a noise control complaint inciter, and sexy enough to warrant more than a few Hail Marys. Tami’s a four-time winner of Best Country Music Album at the New Zealand Music Awards, but Don’t Be Afraid also serves up generous helpings of soul and rock n roll. We’re treated to swampy southern gospel on Bury My Body, Latin beats on Loco Mama and down and dirty grooves on Holy Moses, where Tami pleads for mercy. Don’t be afraid to dip your toe into country with Tami Neilson’s latest album. Holy Moses – you’ll probably love it.  Glory Days have been big fans of Tami's from the get go. In fact our Beauty Editor Miss Victory Violet styled Tami and co-starred in one of the video's from the Dynamite album! You can see Miss Victory Violet just popping her head over the shoulder of her fellow hairdresser at the back of this video still.
We want to give you the chance to get your hands on some Tami by offering an amazing prize pack for one lucky person who signs up to our newsletter at the Matakana Sunday Sessions Queens Birthday Weekend Market on the 25th October. All you have to do is come along to the Glory Days stall, purchase any magazine and sign up to our newsletter to be in with the chance to win a Dynamite LP, a signed copy of The Country Issue and a CD copy of Don't Be Afraid! Aside from the chance to win this amazing prize, guests at the Matakana Sunday Sessions can expect great music from Bernie Griffen and the Thin Men (another fantastic group of musicians who featured in our Country Issue!), a fantastic range of vintage stalls and delicious local food, wine and beer. Don't be afraid to dress in your Sunday finest, and we look forward to seeing you there!   Today on the Telegram, Glory Days editor Natasha Francois catches up again with Dale Sizer who featured in our latest issue, Exotica, to find out more about his inspirations, techniques and his passion for putting a modern twist on the past. If you've read the latest exotica issue of Glory Days, you're bound to be familiar with Dale Sizer's ingenious West Hollywood bachelor pad which pays homage to the tiki-themed cocktail bars and motels of yesteryear. As we mentioned in our story, Dale is also a talented animation artist by trade who paints backdrops for the television series COSMOS, as well as cartoons such as Felix the Cat and Yogi Bear, to name a few. However, he is best known for his low-brow art. Inspired by a retro and 1950s aesthetic, he creates mash ups of Polynesian Pop, pulp romance, sexy vamps, The Rat Pack, lounge culture and cheeky pinups. Your art has been described as 'cartoon noir' would you agree with that moniker? Hearing my art described as a certain genre, is always surprising to me, as, I'm just doing what intrigues me and keeps me interested and inspired. I suppose 'Cartoon Noir' fits some of it. Maybe, 'Pinup, Pulp and Pop' could work too. How did you catch the drawing bug? I had a knack for drawing from a young age, which was encouraged by my parents. My Dad was very artistic and I enjoyed watching him draw and paint in his spare time.  Pop culture figures feature strongly in your work- from classic Hollywood bombshells to the rat pack, to cult heroines such as Tura Satana, why is that? I like the idealized versions of people portrayed in movies, magazines and advertising, especially in the 1940's and 50's. Very dramatic, beautiful and specific. Tura Satana popped up when I was invited to participate in an art show celebrating the movies of Russ Meyer. What are your tools of the trade? I do my sketches on tracing paper, working small to get a composition I like and then enlarging, refining and cleaning it up into a crisp drawing, that I can cut masks from. I then lay in the large shapes with paint and airbrush, on canvas, art board or metal flake vinyl. Paint brushes and sponging can also come into it. Photoshop can come in handy at the compositional stages. What inspires you most and why? I love.... The shadowy atmosphere and dramatic lighting in the film noir period of movies- The sexy attitude projected in a vintage Hollywood starlet's publicity photos- The naive optimism in post war advertising- The sexy gag cartoons of Dan DeCarlo. Mix it all together and come up with something cool, sexy and fun! Current projects you're working on? Things are a bit sketchy at the moment. A number of Vintage Hollywood subjects are in the works.  Which artists do you admire? There are so many...early on, it was the pinup art of George Petty and Vargas. Later, the 'air powered' illustrators of the 60's and 70's. Nowadays, there are so many talented painters- Mark Ryden and Todd Schorr are amazing! I love your movie star portraits of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford so much- how do you pick your subjects? Thank you. I'm a big fan of vintage movies, and sometimes try to capture a dramatic moment from one. Usually focusing on a scene of emotional climax, just as the tears are welling up in their eyes.  Your work also delves in the big eye children craze of the 1960s. In fact your mandolin playing lady Miranda has a strong resemblance to a Maio print i have on my wall (or is it medeiros?) The big eye style is intriguing, because it allows you to get up close and personal with your subject and get an intimate view into their feelings. It creates an emotional impact. What do you love most about what you do? Where can our readers go to see more of your work? I like to create something that looks familiar but at the same time is new and innovative. Incorporating elements of the past with a modern twist. People can contact me about commissions or prints of my work, on my website. I also post views of my latest work on Facebook, and currently have prints and merchandise available at Redbubble.   Glory Days Creative Director, Rose Jackson, throws in the towel and heads to the beach in our latest Telegram... New Zealand is finally heading towards summer after a long wet winter and I for one am more than ready to throw off my coat and hat and get into the sea, stat! The New Zealand Fashion Museum and the New Zealand Maritime Museum must have had the same feeling as they have just launched their collaborative exhibition, At The Beach. I popped along to the opening party the other night and was overwhelmed with the breadth and depth of the collection that has been curated by the NZFM. And one of the most magical things about this exhibition is that all of the items were made or designed in New Zealand and donated by members of the public. You can view more images of the opening evening here on our Facebook page. In general, I'm not a bossy type but I do insist that everyone head along to this, and as it's free you have no excuses! The exhibition highlights not only the changes in garment technology and the fashion industry, but also the cultural changes in our society over the last 100 years. If you are looking for more information on these shifting cultural and sartorial sands, in our very first issue of Glory Days (check out our digital archives here if you haven't seen them before!) I penned an article on the history of bathing beauties and their beach costumes which you can read below...   Another lady who knows her nautical stuff is Amber Butchart. Fashion historian, part of the coolest DJ duo in the world, The Broken Hearts and one of my personal style icons, Amber recently published a book called Nautical Chic which we reviewed in our latest issue of Glory Days. Readers of Glory Days would have noted on our review page that we also featured a beautiful silk scarf giveaway from Simon James Cathcart. I discovered SJC after falling into an Internet hole one night and coming up for air two hours later totally in love with his brand.  SJC is a "style collective of menswear experts and enthusiasts ranging from heritage workwear to tailoring". I particularly felt the Sailor's Dream Neckerchief would work well in our seaside themed Glory Days page, so I got in touch with Simon and cheekily asked for one to be sent down from Londontown to be given away. I completely adore his philosophy on garment construction, cut, fit and fabric which I will share in a later Telegram but in the meantime you can read more about the Sailor's Dream and how you can go in the draw to win this below...  Hi Simon! I love your Sailor's Dream Neckerchief, is that your own design or did on of the people in your collective create it? And was the fabric printed locally? Ah well like all good things it is made from a bit of this and that, a little bit from a 1940's kids tee shirt, a piece from 30's matchbox lid, you know... My friend and SJC moderator Florien Kremer helped me put that together, he's also worked on the gang jackets, our labels and tee shirts too. He is an extremely gifted graphic artist who loves vintage apparel. So for me its a no brainer to connect a project with a like-minded artist or tradesperson. You've hand-rolled the edges on the neckerchief? That is such a luxury these days, was the work done in London or abroad? Hong Kong. Motherland of silk. I did actually visit a Byzantine silk factory in Lebanon, but my mule just gave up after 3500 meters. The amount of dirty looks it gave me was unbelievable. Seriously though, two things I believe in, support any economy that needs it, the poorer the better, and where possible go to the source. You want Donegal tweed you go to Donegal. So with the silk it had to be China. And this is a cool young company run by two sisters who inherited the company from their parents. They know what they're doing. And when I proposed the job they rushed at it. So, yes, it is a 30 momme Georgette silk, the colours are deep to aid the shine and handle but there was no way that after all that went into that neckerchief that I wouldn't pay the extra to hand roll the edges. You've noticed the thread on the hems is in contrasting silk threads to help them pop? We did a 40's western one too which is really nice.  In part two of Glory Days Tiki Oasis report, Claire finds herself caught up in the cult of Dionysus... One of the stand out parts of Tiki Oasis for me was the music. By the pool, on the stage and in the room parties, bands and their go go dancers created the buzz and it never seemed to stop. It may have helped that the event publicist also owns a record label specialising in Tiki/surf/exotica music and two of his bands happened to be playing in the room party that won the best party prize. That event publicist is Lee Joseph and his label is Dionysus Records. I got to catch up with him at Tiki Oasis recently and find out more about his passion for music.  Lee began Dionysis Records in 1983. Throughout his life he has been influenced by 1960s exotica, from spending a lot of time as a child in Polynesian themed “tiki” restaurants, to an obsession with mid '60s garage punk. One fateful day he picked up a record at a thrift store, Arthur Lyman's ‘Taboo 2’, which launched a fascination with all things Tiki. Lee rejected the direction that 1980s music was going in and decided to put out records that he himself would like to listen to - an ethos that still applies to his music choices today. He timed it well as there was renewed interest in the genres of exotica, rockabilly, surf, and psychedelic punk rock. Today he says he sells records “to people like me”. Lee also explains there are very devoted niche music fans who will attend festivals and sit through 10 hours of strictly one sub-genre of music such as surf. Lee loves putting out music by new bands. He specialises in pressing vinyl for the authentic vintage experience, although he says the best thing about new bands that play vintage-style genres is that you can go see them live!  Speaking of which, I had the pleasure of seeing two bands from his label play at Tiki Oasis, Creepxotica and Jason Lee and the R.I.P Tides. Both were very different, both nothing like I had heard before! Creepxotica were a visual spectacle. Dressed in skeleton outfits, the keyboardist was playing from behind a Tiki Bar and they had a spooky fresh sound, adding a Disneyland haunted mansion feel to the smooth tones of exotica. You can see Creepxotica in action here!  Jason Lee and the R.I.P Tides add another dimension again, with beautifully played Surf guitar and a '60s dancey vibe. Visually you can’t take your eyes of Jason’s hair, and the go go dancers that accompany them!
Check out Jason Lee and the R.I.P Tides and get swept away. For the skinny on Dionysus Records and to purchase their limited edition vinyl visit their website and while you are at it give them a like on Facebook to keep up today with the daily news.  To most vintage beauty fans, Miss Victory Violet needs no introduction. Our Beauty Editor is a world renowned pinup model, prolific blogger on vintage style, hair, makeup and body confidence, Instagram star (62,000 fans and counting!) and won Miss Viva Las Vegas this year after scooping Miss Pinup New Zealand in 2014. All this and she is able to find the time to hold down a day job creating fabulous looks for clients at Killer Hair in Auckland... phew! If you would like to read more about Miss Victory Violet, she graced the cover of our Hollywood Issue and we had an in-depth interview with her as well. You can purchase your back issue copy here!  Miss Victory Violet's pinup shoots are always styled to perfection and she often collaborates with Auckland based photographer Elizabeth J Photography. Of her work, Miss Victory Violet says... "Elizabeth is wonderful photographer and beautiful person. Her passion for creating stunning images really comes through and she knows how to capture someone's character and emotion perfectly. I love working with Liz, it's easy, fun and I know the result will be flawless." Aside from bespoke pinup and glamour photographic services, award winning photographer Elizabeth also offers portraiture, children, family, wedding and corporate photography. Please visit her website and Facebook page for further details and to view her beautiful work! Combining their wonderful talents, Miss Victory Violet and Elizabeth J Photography have decided to offer an exclusive vintage photoshoot for a select few who would like to indulge themselves in the ultimate pampering pinup experience.  Pinups will start the day with full hair and makeup by Miss Victory Violet. Elizabeth J says of Miss Victory Violet... "Ella is a total dream to work with, and I have really come to admire and respect her immensely for her stand on body confidence and empowering women. She’s a very special woman and I love working with her!" Miss Victory Violet will also guide models through posing and be ready for hair and makeup touch-ups during the two hour photo shoot with Elizabeth that includes up to 3 outfit changes and they will receive ALL edited images from the shoot within 4 weeks at no extra cost. This is a exclusive one-on-one experience which is only available on November 15th at the opulent Opera Studio pictured in the above images or November 29th at a yet to be disclosed location. For further details on pricing, or to book, please email liz@elizabethj.co.nz or missvictoryviolet@gmail.com But in the meantime can we all please take a moment to admire what incredible work these two talented people can conjure up when they organised a recent shoot at MOTAT... 
  Glory Days guest reporter Stuart Attwood went along for the Sunday Best ride as part of Auckland Heritage Festival... If word got out to the good people of Auckland that one hundred and seventy five bikers were about to descend on their fair city, parents would no doubt be shuffling themselves and their children to a safer place to avoid the potential ensuing mayhem. Fortunately the Sunday Best Ride held just as much spectacle but was a somewhat more demure affair. Mustering at Auckland Museum and held as a part of the Auckland Heritage Festival, this event was to prove itself not only wonderfully organised but well attended and thoroughly enjoyable for all involved. After registration and a scone, there was an opportunity to mix and mingle and admire the costumes and beautiful bicycles of varying vintages dotted around the place. The crowd was, of course, impeccably dressed and ready for a jaunt around the city. Even before we left there was a genuine feel good vibe surrounding the group, with old swing numbers being played, a brass and glass photographer posing the riders for a six second picture to be taken and a million other shots captured on a more digital format. The scene reminded me of the Queen song 'Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon'. All this and no Lycra!. There was a quick message from the organisers regarding the route and safety, then everybody lined up for the go ahead, ready to launch into it! It was a shaky start for some, but with a few wobbles, the tinkling of many bells and the hoot of the odd horn, the bike train got rolling, and by the time we arrived at the entrance to the Domain everyone appeared relaxed and ready for a gentle amble through the city. The Mean Streets appeared reasonably welcoming, and the run across Grafton bridge started to show how special the ride was going to be, with people waving, stopping to watch and shout encouragement to the participants. The marshals held traffic for the group at red lights and for the most part it appeared that drivers were quite happy to just sit and watch this elegant parade unfold before them. Up Karangahape Road and through Ponsonby with cheers from the cafes and more iPhone coverage than a Papal Crowning, we headed for our first rest stop.  On we went down to leafy St Heliers, admiring the architecture and turned back toward the City. It was an amazing sensation with so many riders and the relative silence in which we traveled, a chance to chat and laugh as we made our merry way. It seemed that something from a less complicated age had returned, an easier pace and the pleasure of being out with a large group of people who were there simply for the love of cycling. We meandered along which suited everybody, but by the time we had arrived at Westhaven the group had strung out some distance and it was time for a break and re-gathering. The Viaduct was busy with more bars and people smiling and waving, again, happy to see us go by. One more stop and we were on the final run for the Parnell Rose Gardens. In this final phase a MAMIL (yes its a 'thing', Googe it!) approached passing in the opposite direction, looking not unlike a streak of lightning, bespoked, day glow, lemon sorbet, he took it upon himself to provide the group with a public service announcement regarding the flouting of helmet laws. I don't think he got it really, any form of helmet simply destroys a perfectly good hairdo. I heard someone comment that, ''if we did happen to get hit by a runaway bus, at least we'd go out looking good!''. From there it was a final uphill slog for some great period-correct finger foods, club sandwiches and the like, topped off with a well earned Gin and Tonic to revive the flagging muscles. To top it off, the hair do's had survived!.  Seeing a column of around a hundred and seventy five cyclists in their finery, snaking around the city streets was something quite spectacular. It was even better being a part of it, with many people commenting ''It was simply the best day out Ive had in a long time''. There was no larrikin behavior, and people were grinning from ear to ear, pretty much the whole way through. The word is that this will be an annual event and I certainly hope so. It left myself and Im sure many others with a sense that the organisers have hit on something that could well be the hottest cycling ticket in town. On behalf of myself and all those attending I would like to thank everyone involved in organising and running the Sunday Best Ride, you really did do a superb job. Good fortune for future events, and please do it again next year! The information on this ride and similar events is available on The Auckland Tweed Run Facebook page or via the
Glory Days Facebook page and check out more photographs from the day here!  We had a fabulous time in Hamilton recently to celebrate 19 black's Hamilton store opening and co-host the launch of the gorgeous Classics Museum Calendar for 2016, photographed by Tiffany Curtis! First up was the 19 Black Grand Opening. where guests enjoyed generous opening discounts, hostess Bettie Rage looked after the crowds, and the Classics Museum Bel Air was on display! We were lucky enough to have Arie Photo capturing all the fun for the day...
The Sweet Painted Lady offered glamorous vintage makeovers and Judy treated customers to drinks and nibbles!
You can view more party pics from the 19 Black launch on their Facebook page!  As part of the Hamilton weekend Glory Days was delighted to offer an amazing Hamilton Hamper prize for one lucky person who attended both the 19 Black Grand Opening and the Classics Pinup Calendar Launch. People were busily signing up to the draw as the hamper included  Following 19 Black we were very pleased to partner with Tiffany Curtis Photography and the Classics Museum to bring you the launch of the Classics Museum Pinup Calendar 2016, in association with Sailor Jerry Rum and Protecta Insurance. Guests at the Pinup Calendar Launch were welcomed by Bertha the cute-as-pie retro caravan from Retro Events and received a Snowberry goodie bag on arrival filled with their gorgeous beauty products, Protecta Insurance giveaways, discounts from Tiffany Curtis Photography, free entry into the Museum, free Photo Booth snaps from the Magic Photo Booth and more! Guests over 18 were also treated to a Dark'n'Stormy Sailor Jerry Rum Cocktail and guests under 18 had a long cool ginger beer! We held a mini market at the beginning of the afternoon and the lovely folk from Judy Dee Couture, Bella Vintage, Kulture Shock, Protecta Insurance and 19 Black offered guests a selection of their vintage and vintage inspired clothing, shoes, homewares and accessories and Tiffany had a special deal on her beautiful calendar.   We also had the pamper Parlour ladies - Debonaire Dos, Honey L'Amour and the Sweet Painted Lady giving people a bit of vintage glamour ahead of the evening's festivities.  Can we just take a moment to acknowledge how gorgeous all our guests looked! So much effort went into everyones outfits... we love giving people an excuse to dress up!  After guests had been pampered and snapped up some goodies we cleared the diner and had a model signing session where nearly all of the pinups featured in the 2016 calendar signed guests copies and posed for photos.  Of course we would not be having a party at all without the brilliant calendar that Tiffany created for the Classics Museum. Here is the lady herself with Tom who owns the Classics Museum, such a lovely man! You can purchase your copy of the calendar here  Then we had the divine burlesque performer and calendar girl Lily Loca take to the stage and perform her mesmerising fan dance!  What would a Glory Days party be without a Best Dressed Prize?! Kendall in blue took the ladies prize and dapper Simon Crowfoot won the gents.  While all the pinup models were gathered together they took the chance to sneak into the museum and capture some fun shots with all those beautiful cars.  Then to finish the night off we roped in the Blue Roses to play us some good old country music!   As you can imagine we have lots more photos from the day thanks to Arie Photo so head over to our Facebook page and relive the party all over again! And if you would like to get your hands on that beautiful calendar, make sure you head to our Emporium to get yours today!  On the eve of the much anticipated Aroha Cruise In car rally and festival that runs this weekend from the 2nd - 4th October, we had our guest reporter Ngaire, from the excellent Bookie Monster blog, take us for a tour of her adopted hometown to share the vintage treasures that the historic North Island spot has to offer. THIS VINTAGE TOWN TE AROHA Nestled under the green, forested mountain of the same name is the town of Te Aroha, a town with genuine New Zealand heritage. I am biased but I happen to think that my adopted hometown is something of a hidden gem. Prior to Pakeha arrival, the natural mineral springs at the base of the mountain were used by Maori and there are several stories of how the mountain came to be named Te Aroha, te reo Maori for “love” or “the feeling of love”.  The town itself was established in the 1870s, driven partly by the establishment of a spa and bathhouses around the springs, and partly by the discovery of gold. It’s this history that gives the town its vintage appeal, with some lovely examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, especially in the Te Aroha Domain where the spa houses were built. This spa was the first New Zealand purpose-built tourist facility, meaning Te Aroha can rightly claim to be the birthplace of New Zealand tourism. The Domain is now the only complete Edwardian domain remaining in New Zealand. In recent years Te Aroha has become a popular stop on the Hauraki Rail Trail, offering a relatively easy detour from Paeroa with amazing views of the Kaimai mountain range. Small but perfectly formed, there are lots of places to visit in Te Aroha to step back in time. Te Aroha Museum, Te Aroha Domain A visit to the museum is an absolute must and entry is an easy-on-the-pocket $4 for adults and $2 for children. Located in the Cadman Bathhouse the museum has a wide range of Maori artefacts, as well as pieces reflecting the long history of the established town. There are rooms resembling the spa rooms of old, as well as farming and home industries. There is always a special exhibition running which in the past has included a collection of wedding dresses, militaria and restored craft treasures from the area. The museum is open 7 days a week. From the museum you can explore the Domain and the local walking tracks.  Second Thoughts Collectables, 136 Whittaker St A collectables store specialising in vintage, retro and antique ware. This is a must-visit for collectors of Crown Lynn and record albums, as they usually have plenty to browse through. As well there’s vintage books, accessories, toys and lots more. The owners keep the stock in great condition and love seeing secondhand goods going off to a new home and life. Banco, 174 Whittaker St Located in a 1920’s bank building Banco offers coffee, food and vintage in one tasty package! The homemade food is delicious and the vintage goods on offer range from shoes, clothes (including designer clothing) and collectables to kitchenware and more. It’s also fun to pick out the old bank features in the building interior, including the original vault, and there’s a courtyard out the back for those warm summer days. The Salvation Army Family Store, 213 Whittaker St A ubiquitous sight in many small towns, Te Aroha’s Salvation Army Family store is welcoming and a great place to ferret out vintage treasures. They always have a wide range of clothes, shoes, bags, knick knacks and furniture, all at extremely reasonable prices.  Restorations Antiques, 172 Whittaker St An antique store along classic lines. Crowded with furniture, jewellery, furs, bags, knick knacks, household items, typewriters, tools and lots more besides. Prices are also more along classic antique store lines but there’s often a small bargain to pick up and it’s always fun to browse. Te Aroha Organic Health Food Shop, 9 Lawrence Ave A treat for the eyes and the tastebuds! Te Aroha Organic Health Food Shop is located in an old miner’s cottage and the walls feature an array of vintage kitchen implements, advertisements and packaging. Browse the organic goodies on offer and enjoy a fantastic coffee. They also do wonderful food, all made on the premises, and with lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. All around town Walking around town is a delight for fans of vintage and historical architecture. From the Victorian and Edwardian domain and spa buildings to the early 20th century villas and cottages to the Art Deco style St Joseph’s Catholic Church, a stroll around the central part of the town will reveal all these and more.  As you can see there is so much to see and do in Te Aroha! It would be well worth a visit this weekend to check out the amazing buildings, the heritage sites and the incredible cars that will be on display at the Aroha Cruise In. Make sure you like their Facebook page to keep up to date with all the activities they have worked hard to bring together.  |
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