The bee's knees
Gingersnaps and I have two things in common. They are not our age (a vast chasm of years yawns between us), nor our figures (she’s a slip of a thing … I pack a mean punch). What we do share is similar colouring. Although she is fairer than me, the same colours suit us. And we both love yellow. Therefore, I was pleased when she declared she would wear it for our shoot.
Some people are afraid of yellow. I am not sure why: I have never heard of a colour mugging you in the street and stealing your shoes.
Be that as it may, I was doubly thrilled when I heard the yellow garment would come striped. “It makes me think of a bee,” Gingersnaps told me the day before our proposed shoot.
As this bright young thing was preparing to imminently dazzle Europe with her smile, I found it hard to pin her down to answer some questions, but finally managed it on the eve of her departure.
How would you describe your style, Gingersnaps?
Casual with a bit of rock n roll and a touch of feminine.
Gingersnaps does like her indigo skinny jeans; another work colleague was pleased that I had managed to get her out of them and into a skirt on a Friday.
Being a Melbourne girl, I’m sure the weather forecast had some bearing on what you chose to wear.
Yes, it was a weird Melbourne day, warm in the morning but cold in the afternoon. I knew it wouldn’t be freezing so I went with bare legs.
How long did it take you to pull this outfit together? Did it start with anything in particular?
Hmmm, about ten minutes! I had already considered my options; I definitely knew I wanted to wear yellow. I also have a gorgeous yellow scarf that I often wear, but yes, my stripey top is my current fave. It’s been a while since I’ve had splashes of colour in my wardrobe, so something bright is a nice change.
I love hearing a Melburnian say that! Where did you find that little gem?
I bought it recently in a shop in Apollo Bay. I was wandering around with some girlfriends and we slipped into this little clothes shop. Despite being on a strict budget, (the Europe trip, as you know) I bought the top. I really want more yellow things, so when I find the right shade it becomes a bit of a must.
And the cute pinafore?
The pini is from Frauhaus, I used to manage the store. The label is an offshoot of Lush, but Frauhaus clothes are always a bit more quirky. I think it has a real Fitzroy thing which I love, because I’ve lived and worked around there for so many years.
I like both labels, too. I must say I absolutely loved your shoes the first time I saw you wear them. Tell me about those.
I actually bought them to traipse around Europe in, but there is no way you can do a lot of walking (and still be comfortable) in those heels! They are utterly impractical but I love ankle boots. I spotted them in Giallo when they were full price and nearly died but couldn’t afford them. At sale time they were still there and I couldn’t say no!
Don’t you love it when that happens? Well, thanks for your time Gingersnaps. I look forward to admiring the several pairs of shoes I’m sure you’ll snaffle in Italy!
Ciao!