From Lady to Ladette

Something very strange happens to Australian girls who attend the Spring Racing Carnival.

It must have something to do with the excitement of impending spring weather; the perfect excuse to purchase a new frock and some fripperies that will never be worn again (the ubiquitous feathered fascinator); the forbidden delight of having a little flutter at the races (GAMBLING!); the prospect of consuming vast quantities of sparkling wine; and the firm expectation of catching a glimpse of a rare sight: the young Australian male respectably attired in a SUIT.

But unfortunately it so often ends in tragedy: thunderstorms and muddied shoes; torn frocks and blistered feet; extreme intoxication; dishevelled clothing; short, handsomely-challenged boys; and no winnings to show for it. But what does that matter? It was soooo
much fun!

Below, a story in pictures… 

Pouffes, Puffs and Toffs

Ah, Dolly! Such sweet teenage memories the magazine conjures up. It’s lovely to know this Australian icon of magazineland is still going strong. Then I wouldn’t feel too sad at chucking out a large stack of them whilst clearing out my storage room yesterday.

November 1985 cover. Click on image for larger version. I did keep three of them however: November 1985, January 1986 and a special issue called ‘Making It’ – from which year it does not say. Each had something I particularly liked about it, and in the November issue it was this shoot for formal (or prom) fashion called ‘Toffs’. (Toffs: British slang for someone with an aristocratic background – few and far between as they are in Australia.) The models in fact look a refreshing mix of ethnicities.

…they all appear entirely overcome by ennui at the supposed event…

The quartet look so sultry and brooding – and for all the excitement the fictional writer professes for her formal dance, they all appear entirely overcome by ennui at the supposed event, which is exquisitely amusing! It’s also rather sophisticated for a magazine aimed at 12–17yo, and as for the dubious ethics of portraying these high-schoolers smoking…

Nevertheless, I did enjoy looking at the pages. Do take time to read the story – to find out how the narrator comes to accept an invitation from a boy she does not know; how teens tan in the mid-eighties; and which hairstyles were popular – among other fascinating tidbits.

Photographs by Martin Brading. Click on images for larger versions.

Boo!

My goodness, look what I found lurking amongst my archives. A spooky vintage photo! Where did this come from? Is it a ghost? Is it a vampire? Is it Bride of Frankenstein?

No, wait, it’s just me making mischief with a piece of lace-trimmed polyester. I took a series of photos a couple of years ago, but never published them as they were a bit macabre for SNAP. But they’re perfect for All Hallow’s Eve!

Hallowe’en is not hugely celebrated in Australia, and certainly was not when I was growing up in the 70s and 80s, so some research was called for. I learned that historians postulate variously that Hallowe’en originates from the Roman feast of Pomona; or the festival of the dead, Parentalia; or the Celtic festival of Samhain. In Ireland, it was the end of summer that was celebrated, before the onset of the ‘darker half’ of the year.

Also in Celtic tradition, it was large turnips that were hollowed out and carved with faces. After the Irish immigrated to North American shores, they adapted this idea to the jack-o’-lanterns, as pumpkins were readily available. Being larger, they were also easier to carve than turnips. Before that pumpkins had been associated with harvest festivals.

Another charming notion is the idea that on Hallowe’en night, a young woman may look into a mirror by the light of a candle and catch a glimpse of the face of her future husband. (Unfortunately it does not seem a name is provided – however, knowing what The One looks like would make it that much easier when trawling internet dating sites.)

Hmm, now where did I put that veil…?

Click here for more spooky photos.

What I Actually Wore #0040

Serial #: 0040
Date: 17/05/2010
Weather: a cool, mid-winter day of 17°
Time Allowed: 5 minutes

It’s my first day on the job (a short contract job that is) in a design studio in Thornbury. This is an inner Melbourne northern suburb I have never before been to in my life. Investigating transport options, I discover that the bus stopping not five minutes from my home gets me virtually to the door.

Hurrah! This means I can wear precarious shoes to my heart’s content.

With this in mind I choose a new pair of purple suede ankle boots (so deliciously impractical). 

Two-tone grey; I love the perky patent bow of this belt.I also wanted to wear a new secondhand purchase: a black linen skirt that is a little reminiscent of a balloon skirt, but it tapers at the sides. I choose a soft grey wool top to wear with it. As it is slightly loose I pull out a favourite patent belt: I really like different shades of grey worn together. Silver Turkish coin earrings fit the theme.

These boots were NOT made for climbing rickety old ladders!

I rarely wear black with colours as it reminds me too much of brash Eighties fashion, but the purple boots are just the right coloured punctuation mark to this muted outfit.

It’s the first of many pairs of shoes with which I entertain the girls at the local Thornbury café where I have my lunch.

Items:

Top: Victoria Woods
Skirt: Morrison
Belt: David Lawrence
Shoes: Zoe Wittner
Earrings: Palm Beads
Rings: Roun
Watch: Kenneth Cole

Summer Spirit

My cousin Amelia-Jane is laid-back. So laid-back that it took us a year and a half to get round to doing this photoshoot, and another three months to have the interview. It’s not surprising then, that the outfit is missing an essential element. But regardless, the light summery spirit has not been lost.

So Amelia-Jane, what do you remember of the day you actually wore this outfit?

It was really hot!

Yes, I recall that distinctly. This is what I wore that evening when we went to the theatre. Is that what inspired this outfit?

There were lots of people wearing white that day. Definitely the weather was a consideration, but the pants were new, and I loved them, and I had to wear them!

What’s their story?

They’re from Country Road. I often shop there for pants because they make clothes for tall people, unlike many other brands. I really loved the colour – I love anything grey. At the time I was looking for pants for spring, something high-waisted, with flared trouser legs. They’re also like a semi-jean, so you can dress them up or down.

I wish I’d bought a second pair, because I ruined the first pair. They were stained with paw-prints from a friend’s dog, and I neglected to wash them right away. Then I ended up soaking them in Napisan too long, and now there is a faded pink spot! I still can’t chuck them though.

Bummer. Funnily, I have a favourite pair of CK pants in a very similar colour that are also stained – but I can’t bear to throw them out either. Where is the peasant top from?

That’s from Sportsgirl. I revisted them after many years, and was pleasantly surprised. I was totally sucked in by the shop’s styling! They had real vintage, and it was quite bohemian.

Yes, they make it look almost like a little boutique, and less generic chain store. … You had all red accessories with this outfit. Is red and white a favourite colour combination?

Not in particular, but the outfit was quite light, so I knew it needed a shot of colour to lift it. What’s missing from the photo is the essential item that pulls it all together: my red scarf!

Never mind, you still look fresh and pretty Amelia-Jane. Thanks for stepping onto the pages of SNAP!