Oh, Golly, I can't believe I've won!

Ladies and Gentlemen, this year we’ve been treated to several show-stopping dress-ups from Princess Tatiana, and this of all nights we’d like to acknowledge her for her efforts. [Wild applause]

But first, why don’t we take another look at the year that was:

Nominated for Best Script: Snow White Meets Prince Charmless

Nominated for Best Art Direction: It’s Christmas Eve!

Nominated for Best Special Effects: Penny Grows Up … But is Still Lost in Space

Nominated for Best Costume: Get Into the 21^st Century, Cupid!

Nominated for Best Animation: Tatiana’s Adventures in Wonderland

And the best actress goes to … (drumroll please) … Princess Tatiana, for her role as … Tatiana! Why don’t we welcome her to the stage everyone. [More wild applause]

I can’t believe I’m holding this wonderful white, authentic Italian statue of a half-naked woman in my hands at last!

“Oh, golly! I can’t believe I won! Oh, I just don’t have the words!! I – I really didn’t think I’d win! I haven’t even prepared an acceptance speech! Gosh!!! I can’t believe I’m holding this wonderful white, authentic Italian statue of a half-naked woman in my hands at last!

"And really, first I must just commiserate – I mean, congratulate the four other utterly fantastic women for their wonderful acting ability! Just look at their smiles! Why, you’d think they were happy not to have won! I totally, totally look up to them! But I guess the best woman won… I mean, I mean, I guess it was just my lucky year this year!

"I just… I just have to thank… why, everyone! I just couldn’t have done it without you, my dear readers, without all the support and encouragement of all my loved ones!! I owe it all to having the best directors to work with, the most awesome script-writers, the most brilliant wardrobe consultants, the most wonderful art direction, the most flattering lighting technicians and camera operators, and simply marvellous Photoshopping and those little people in the cutting room… [Draws breath at last] I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all these wonderful people! [Sheds few tears] Oh, I … oh, I could go on, and on, there are just so many people to thank…!”

“But I am just so honoured, and thrilled…! Thank you, oh thank you! I promise I won’t talk for much longer…”

[Ad break]

Don’t forget to check out Princess Tatiana mugging for the camera in some extra shots in the Out-takes & Extras gallery.

A Hat Makeover

Whilst dusting off my hatboxes months ago, I discovered quite a number of hats that were past due for the dustbin. This was one
of them.

It was the trimming that offended me most; making the hat look like something a dowager duchess would wear. The silhouette bothered me also, with its high crown and narrow brim – so early Nineties. In spite of this, it vaguely reminded me of the hat Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with a length of cream silk encircling its crown. That couldn’t be bad.

…the hat looked like something a dowager duchess would wear.

I decided to rip off the faux hydrangea and raffia that so displeased me and see what I could contrive.

Several staples and shreds of raffia later, I held the denuded headgear in my hand. A marked improvement already. I whipped a lace-embroidered cream scarf into action and surveyed the result. A reasonable facsimile, I decided.

Compare my before and after to Audrey’s:

(Left) Audrey with Rex Harrison in ‘My Fair Lady’; (right) with George Peppard in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’.Still, made-over or not, I knew I would not wear it. The hat was destined for charity; a bit like Eliza Doolittle. Perhaps someone else would fall in love with it.

What I Actually Wore #0006

Serial #: 0006
Date: 18/10/2008
Weather: 30°
Time Allowed: mental planning completed during previous week

I had a month’s notice of a friend’s cocktail party, so I was able to mentally plan my outfit ahead of time. It didn’t take that long of course: in all of two seconds I decided to wear my 50s LBD. Although it is vintage, it has an interesting cut and details that make it look very modern. And it's made of 100% Arnel!

I’ve owned it forever, and have forgotten where I bought it; possibly from Chapel Street Bazaar. I love the horizontal pleats on the bodice, and the draping on the front is very flattering. It originally had cream guipure lace appliqués on the shoulders. I remember soon after I bought it my cousin commenting the dress would be more modern without them; it took me a few years before I agreed with her and lopped them off. Sadly, I have lost them.

Unfortunately, the dress is very fragile, and I have stuck my foot through the lining more than once. I wince every time.

The eye for the hook above the zip is also torn, and the hem is pinned up in one place. (Mending is obviously not a favourite pastime of mine.)

On the night of the party, I accessorised with new silver sandals; a vintage Glomesh bag (bought from a lovely lady at the Camberwell Market for $12); my favourite vintage pearl earrings, and of course a beehive.

My chauffeur (we’ll call him … Paul) and I discovered the perils of torn hook and eye closures when my hostess discreetly zipped me back up. “Did your hands leave the wheel at all, Paul?” she quizzed him archly.

Sadly the night did not end at dawn with breakfast at Tiffany’s, but I did go home to my cat, who does have a name.

 

Items:

Dress: vintage 50s, Baker of Melbourne
Shoes: Zoe Wittner Design
Bag: vintage Glomesh
Earrings: vintage
Chocolate croissant: Brioche
Coffee: the Market Café