The Golden Mean

Most Aussies did not grow up in the tradition of celebrating Halloween, but the holiday is growing in popularity in recent years – mostly, it seems to me, through parties for young adults who simply love to dress up, (at least, I don’t live in the suburbs, so I don’t know if kids are trick or treating).

I’d forgotten about these Hipstamatic photos I took a few years ago while playing dress-up myself. I’m not sure who or what exactly I am trying to evoke, but they seem to fit the evening’s theme. That golden mask is scary looking in its impassive anonymity! And you can just imagine the ominous flutter of black wings hovering over you in your last moments of life …

Do be careful, and enjoy your All Hallow’s Eve … Ooooooo!

Photos: May 2013

Just Like Kate

I know I have posted a lot about shoes lately (anyone would think I love them more than hats), but these ‘So Kate’ silver pumps by Christian Louboutin are so worth another shoe tale.

I bought them the day before yesterday, for the princely (or princess-y) sum of $4, from a local thrift store. Yes, FOUR DOLLARS. You can imagine I nearly fainted on the spot. Obviously the store staff did not know the label. There was also a pair of Gucci sandals priced at $25, but I didn’t like the look of them.

They routinely hide the second pair of good shoes out back at this store to prevent theft, but considering they had priced these so low, I’m not sure why they bothered.

There was a moment of fear when two staff members went to ferret out the second shoe that they wouldn’t find it, but happily it was unearthed. They were in very good condition, with only a very few scuffs. When I tried the pair on and they fit perfectly, I felt like Cinderella just like Kate.

These Shoes Were (Not) Made for Bushwalking

I don’t just dance in my red shoes, I go bushwalking in them! What insanity is this? I hear you ask. It was unintentional. I went on an outing with my three sisters to the ranges, ostensibly for lunch at a French café, and wore an outfit for a perfect summer’s day, including a favourite red silk dress, a straw bag bought in Spain, and a brand new pair of laser-cut red heels.

We did have lunch, but also decided to take in the sights, and a little detour to walk in a garden … which ended up being at the bottom of a very big hill. Unsurprisingly, bandaids were needed at the end of this effort. Still, I looked good doing it!

Photos: February 2014

Hat Trick

Country Road straw hatLate last year I bought a trio of new-old hats, two of them topped with pompoms. It all started with the straw hat from Country Road (which was, ahem, a copy of a Burberry hat) that I snapped up on sale for $25. Not long after, I came upon a navy wool cap in the same style with a fur pompom, by Jasper Conran. I found that in a thrift store for around $7! What a thrill that was to find. On the same day, and in the same thrift store, I also bought a light grey wool fedora by Aldo. They have all been worth it too, as I have worn them often – remember a bargain’s not a bargain if you don’t need or use it!

Jasper Conran navy wool capLight grey wool fedora by Aldo

Lost Soles

On this chilly winter day, let’s sigh over summer and reminisce on these pretty, flimsy sandals that have since passed to Shoe Heaven (aka, the trash): a pair of tan perforated leather sandals that I loved to death (literally – the soles disintegrated); a pair of plaited black leather flip-flops that also wore out; and silver leather sandals, one of which sadly broke beyond repair.

… these pretty, flimsy sandals that have since passed to Shoe Heaven (aka, the trash)

As you can see I’m often admiring my own footwear as I walk along! But it seems like I’m going to have to go shopping for new sandals for next summer! Damn shame about that.