Bonbons of blue

Cerulean. Turquoise. Tiffany blue. Azure. Robin’s egg blue. Aquamarine. Whatever is your preferred designation, it is my favourite colour. I am not sure why – perhaps it is the association with the sky on a spring day: all that blue serenity; the notion of floating away on clouds of fluffy bliss.

In fact, these beads look so delicious I want to eat them. When I suffered my tragedy in blue, I actually could have – except for the choking factor. Those round agate beads (second from right) came from Temple St Night Market in Kowloon, and have now been restrung more securely.

Making up the long necklace are oval and round beads of Czech pressed glass; this is one of the very first pieces I made. It was in memory of some blue beads I once saw in a vintage boutique in St Kilda that I always regretted I didn’t buy.

Second from the left is a string of faceted quartz roundels that came from a hippy store called Larama, right here in Melbourne – no romantic tales to tell of them. I do wear them often though; being quartz they have a lovely sparkle.

Just before the midday closing time for prayers, I bargained a shopkeeper down to 100dhm for two strands of beads…

My favourite among this quartet however is the strand of green and black onyx. This is a true international piece. After a long and fruitless search online for 2mm round, black, onyx beads, I finally ran them to earth in a shop at Stanley Market in Hong Kong two years ago. I remember the salesperson telling me they were very rare (because of their minute size). “Believe me, I know,” I answered fervently. This was one instance where letting my fingers do the walking had got me absolutely nowhere.

The faceted green onyx beads came from the Blue Souq in Sharjah. Just before the midday closing time for prayers, I bargained a shopkeeper down to 100dhm (about AU$40) for two strands of beads: these gorgeous sea-coloured beads, the others blue – a cross between teal and cobalt.

And the semi-precious stones that are my favourite colour’s namesake? I do have several strands of turquoise beads, awaiting a day of inspiration … but I’m afraid to actually complete anything for fear I’ll have a better idea as soon as I clamp the last crimp. That does agitate me!

What I Actually Wore #0013

Serial #: 0013
Date: 17/12/2008
Weather: It’s Dubai. The sun is shining.
Time Allowed: 30 minutes

“Just how skimpy can I go in Dubai?” I asked X before I packed for my holiday.

Don’t get me wrong: I had no desire to parade scantily-clad along the boulevards of Dubai, scandalising the local populace, defying the laws of the land, and risking imprisonment.

No. I simply had an evening dress that I bought long ago and the opportunity to wear it had not arisen so far.

“Pretty skimpy,” X replied nonchalantly. “You can wear practically anything in the hotels.” That’s where the ex-pats go in the evenings, as few places 1) allow you to wear said skimpy clothes, and 2) are licensed to sell alcohol.

“It kinda has no back,” I supplied helpfully. “Except for these criss-cross strap things. But it’s knee-length only. Not tarty at all!” I added hastily.

I had no desire to parade scantily-clad along the boulevards of Dubai, scandalising the local populace

“Sounds great,” said X. Backless? Of course he did.

So my shimmery, oyster-toned silk BCBG dress came with me.

The big night finally arrived. I was being taken out to dinner at Trader Vic’s, in Madinat Jumeirah. It was not quite the glamorous five-star hotel I had been imagining for the dress’ début – I was informed many diners went the casual route – but I was determined to wear it.

When it came down to modelling it for X, (albeit an appreciative audience) … how can I put this delicately? … the dress was found to be skimpy; at least for Dubai. (X was aghast at first sighting of my hot-pink babydoll number: “Where do you wear that back home?” he demanded instantly.) Also, I was disgusted that the weather was not living up to my expectations. I knew it wouldn’t be as hot as in summer, but I’d been hoping for more than 21°C. I needed a cover-up. Fortunately I’d already been on a shopping-spree, and my new Zara jacket was perfect.

I wore low silver sandals, one of only two pairs of evening shoes I had brought with me; a silver satin evening bag (which I had been forced to buy in Dubuy [sic] owing to the fact that I had forgotten to bring one with me); and pearl chandelier earrings that I have owned since forever.

After dressing and accessorising, all that was left was for me to enjoy the evening, starting with a Tiki Puka Puka*, a rum cocktail. We had fun, my multiple-shot rum cocktail and I, we did. Oh, and X. He was there too. He wore a suit or something.

Items:
Dress: BCBG Max Azria Runway
Jacket: Zara
Earrings: from Portobello Lane
Bag: Accessorize
Shoes: Zoe Wittner

*It must be noted that this cocktail is so enormous it does not come in any type of standard glass. It comes in a footed dessert bowl. With a gardenia floating in it. Accounts as to actual quantity seem to vary. I was told seven, but it could be three American shots… or 4.4 Australian shots…

Vive la liberté!

Aren’t they cute, the pair of them? On the right is Fifi; she is hugging Gingersnaps, who starred in a Bright Young Thing back in November last year.

Let’s start with you Fifi. How would you describe your style in general?

Fifi: Pretty; girly, but hopefully sophisticated. I like the classic French-Riviera style – white stripes with red or blue; and cute outfits like a recent nautical look I put together with a striped Marcs top.

And last time you described yourself ‘casual with a bit of rock n roll’, Gingersnaps. Yet today I find you both in floral Liberty prints! What’s going on?

Gingersnaps: It wasn’t the floral print that attracted me to this dress, although I did grow to appreciate Liberty prints from my time working at Alannah Hill. I remember a very cute pair of frilly knickers with a print of a girl with a poodle…

Fifi: I generally don’t like florals, but this top is a favourite. I really liked the colours, and the cut – particularly the halter neck and tie at the bottom. It’s from Fragile, which is a trés expensive maternity shop in South Melbourne. I wore it for both my pregnancies and loved it so much had it tailored to fit me now.

Gingersnaps: That’s exactly what I liked about my Lush dress: the cut, and the colours. My sister bought the dress first when she was working in the sales shop – all of my sisters and I have worked at Lush at some stage – and I loved it, so I bought one too. We got the last two size 8s.

So it was completely chance you both wore your ‘Liberties’ today? No phone calls in the morning?

Fifi: (laughs) No! It was going to be very hot, so I needed a cool top. The busy pattern needs to be teamed with something quite plain on the bottom – these nice-fitting black trousers are from Coopers St.

And you, Gingersnaps?

Gingersnaps: Yes, the weather forecast was a factor. When the temperature rises it’s time for Liberty prints, bare legs and light fabrics. And as little black as possible.

When the temperature rises it’s time for Liberty prints, bare legs and light fabrics. And as little black as possible.

How long does it take you both to get dressed in the morning?

Fifi: Just ten minutes. With two little ones I don’t have time to try five different looks any more like I used to.

Gingersnaps: No time at all today. It was an easy decision; it’s my coolest dress.

What about your accessories?

Fifi: Although I wasn’t wearing any jewellery today, because of the busy pattern and the high neck, the best accessories are earrings. I need to wear my hair up to accentuate the halter neckline. A chunky bracelet always looks good with this style too as my shoulders are bare. Oh, I also had some gorgeous leather, magenta and silver heels from Jigsaw, made in Spain.

Gingersnaps: I was wearing a little silver locket on a fine chain, a birthday present from my boyfriend last year. My Giallo ballet flats are just comfy to walk in.

You’ve worked in a few great fashion boutiques, Gingersnaps: Lush, Frauhaus, Alannah Hill. Great opportunity to increase your wardrobe with a staff discount! How often do you shop now?

Gingersnaps: Rarely. I’m too poor to buy what I really like – I have expensive taste. But when I do, it’s never department stores – I tend to wander into little boutiques, like Lush.

What about secondhand?

Gingersnaps: No, it just doesn’t suit me – I can never find anything that fits. I don’t have the patience to sift through the racks of grotty clothing. I do like shopping for secondhand furniture, and knick-knacks.

You mentioned you and your sister both bought this dress. Does this happen often?

Gingersnaps: All the time! My mum and my two sisters and I are all similar shapes, with similar taste which is convenient. Mum loves shopping – she should have been a stylist. We have stuff that passes from mum to sister to sister, so I guess you could say that’s where I shop. We’re good recyclers.

I like to trawl the high streets – you can find anything from Kookaï to Colette Dinnigan.

And you Fifi? How often do you shop?

Fifi: Every day! Just whenever I get the chance I slip into a shop here or there. I like to trawl the high streets – you can find anything from Kookaï to Colette Dinnigan. I’m not snobby either; I’m perfectly happy to go into a cheap store to find a bargain. This time of year it’s very tempting too, with all the sales on.

Guerrilla-style shopping, eh? What are your favourite shops?

Fifi: Cactus Jam – domestic designers and the international boutique. I go to the QVB store as it has a broad selection. On a recent trip there I went looking for a wedding outfit. I bought two options, a third dress, and then a pair of Chloe trousers on sale. I also like Cue, as they do a lot of clothes for petite frames.

Gingersnaps: If I could afford to splurge, I really love Nicola, in Greville St; White Suede on Chapel (great swimwear); Frauhaus; and Hand in Glove. I tend to prefer Australian designers with small runs – it’s more exclusive.

Okay, last question: what new items are you looking for this season?

Fifi: More dresses! And a new winter coat. It needs to be fitted on top with long sleeves. I didn’t like the three-quarter sleeves that were popular last year – my arms got cold. I’m also on the lookout for a jazz outfit. (I do jazz for exercise.) I tend to wear sports clothes, but I want something fun, and pretty. I find leggings and tops abhorrent, and that’s what most people seem to wear.

Gingersnaps: I also need a new winter coat. My Lush ‘backwards’ style coat is three years old. I’d like something black, plain and maybe in a 40s style. It needs to be fitted, not oversized. I’ll know it when I see it. I’d also like some new shoes – flats, from Giallo – that would work with stockings and bare feet.

Fifi: I’ve never been one for shoes really. But I did recently get the cutest green Keds wedges with a yellow bow.

Gingersnaps: I’d also like some pretty tops that aren’t black. I said it before, but I need to Walk Away From Black!

Ah, music to my ears. On that lovely note: happy shopping until next time.

Cloud photos: Antonio Gillo, from http://www.sxc.hu/

A tale of two jackets

Whenever I shop overseas I always have fun in Zara. It is like a treasure-trove for someone who shops there so seldom.

When I walk in the door, I like to do a little reconnaissance before I return to choose the first armload of items to try on. Then if I am not quite satisfied with my haul, I go back for a second look, minutely inspecting the racks in case some sweet morsel had escaped my gimlet eye on the first round. I regret that last time I did not, after all, snaffle that grey silk blouson with little indigo stars all over it. What was I thinking?

I am unfailingly drawn to jackets and I own more than I could reasonably expect to wear in a single season.

However, I did snatch up a chocolate-brown, cropped jacket featuring a large collar and asymmetrical cut. I am unfailingly drawn to jackets and I own more than I could reasonably expect to wear in a single season. I don’t even want to get onto the subject of storage!

I noticed almost immediately that this Zara jacket was like the summer, or ‘lite’ version of a cropped, puffy, Elizabethan-collared jacket I had bought two years earlier in Hong Kong. Even the fabric was the virtually the same, in look if not composition.

Obviously unpopular with the locals, the puffy jacket was jammed on a rack exploding with its duplicates. I was immediately delighted by it and paid about AU$22 for the privilege of walking out the door with it.

Admittedly it is a little eccentric: a strange lovechild born from 80s sportswear and swingy 50s style. I feel like Sean Young’s character Rachael in Blade Runner when I wear it, yet its cropped length and three-quarter sleeves are impractical for winter.

It was a perfect parka, though, for my 12-year-old niece when she and her dad landed on my doorstep one chilly Saturday afternoon. She needed something to wear to the footy; there is a delicious irony in that.

I adore them both however: one is a perfect topper for warmer months; the other never fails to make me laugh with its frivolity.

Special thanks go to Rapunzel for finding the Wall Street Journal article.

Literary Indulgences

All this talk yesterday of Grecians on prows of ships brought to mind the lines of a Shakespearean play: ‘The barge she sat in, like a burnisht throne, burnt on the water: the poop was beaten gold…’

A shower of gold for winter. Be brazen.

I don’t make a habit of committing Shakespeare’s lines to memory (apart from the obvious ones from Romeo and Juliet). The lines above are from Antony and Cleopatra, and I must confess I didn’t actually remember them word for word. Rather, I recalled them from an editorial layout from an old Follow Me magazine: beautiful words in conjunction with the extravagance of coloured ink, slathered lavishly over entire pages that were given over wholly to poetry! What fashion magazine would dare do that today? The advertising dollar doesn’t cover that kind of wastage.

And yet… these pages are torn from a publication that is nearly twenty years old. And I still remember them. That is a heritage for any magazine to be proud of.

The burnished natural for winter. Stay warm.

…these pages are torn from a magazine that is nearly twenty years old. And I still remember them.

Interestingly, this is an editorial on the new metallics in beauty products, and there is not one photograph of them in sight. It is Shakespeare’s words alone that evoke this luxury for us: we picture Cleopatra; her exotic beauty; the rich black of kohl; the glitter of her jewels. It is her eternal allure and mystery that tells the story, and makes us want to rush out and buy Chanel’s Ombre Contraste Eclipse-Soleil; Elizabeth Arden’s Silver Birch eyeshadow; Bourjois’ silver crayon and Helena Rubenstein’s Blue Space mascara.

Sometimes it pays more to break the rules.

Not cold. Not grey. The new cool silver for winter.

Follow Me, February 1990. Photography: José Picayo.