Outfit #136 - Zipper Traps

I don't like zips.  I avoid them when I'm looking for running gear.  I avoid them when I'm buying dresses.  Yet, this blue dress has one up the side.  This morning was the first time I had a problem with it, of course, when I was getting dressed in about 7 minutes.  5 1/2 minutes was spent trying to extricate the delicate fabric of the blouse from the zip, while still breathing.  Makeup was rather sparse, and mascara non-existent.  But I still made the train.

Dress: Hot Options. Blouse: Witchery. Shoes: Pulp. Earrings: made by me. Scarf: Atmosphere (gift).

It's a bit hard to tell from the photo, but these shoes need some serious attention.  The sides are falling apart, so I'm trying to decide whether to give up on them, or to see if I can get them fixed.  Or even do something myself.  Any thoughts? 

As you can probably tell, today's theme was blue.

Outfit #122 - Secondary Theme

If you've been paying attention, you may have noticed that last week was all florals.  I had a plan for a theme for this week (which is still on, kinda), but a secondary theme appears to be happening: last minute changes.  Yesterday I didn't wear the shirt as planned.  Today, I just couldn't face the thought of long pants and high heels.  Mostly due to the high heels.  So I wore my softest flat shoes, and a skirt.

Top: Regatta.  Skirt: Temt (op shop).  Ribbon: from a Katies skirt.  Shoes: Target.  Necklace: Kinki Gerlinki.  Earrings (not visible, but they're on!): good question. 

I seem to be lacking my personal space bubble right now.  I get the end-of-term hugs, that's okay.  But people touching my hair because it's got a new cut - really?  And a grade 3 just started fiddling with the bow around my waist because it's pretty - a bit unnerving.  On the upside, this was the first day I felt my hair behaved as I wanted.  Win.

Outfit #100 - Need More Coffee

Last night, I went to trivia at the Pig and Whistle for the first time.  Loads of fun.  We came last.

Skirt: Sunny Girl (op shop).  Top: Hot Options.  Shoes: Target.  Earrings: David Jones I think.  Necklace: made by me.

A late night plus an early start - although, not as early as it should have been (you know the "I'm totally getting up soon...really" sleep-in) - resulted in not enough time for coffee (agh!) and a very sleepy Anna.  The coffee I finally had at home was fabulous.

I think of this necklace as my flood necklace.  It took such a long time to make, but all was done while watching coverage of the extreme weather last weekend.  Happily, I can wear it while playing.  Surprisingly, I had a grade 3 boy (yes, new group of grade 3s had their first string experience today) tell me he really liked it.  Ooh, and my hair started off like this - 2 minutes later, I remembered why I normally wear it back.  It gets caught in the chin rest.  Ouch.

Outfit #93 - Blue 31

Outfit details:
Dress: no label (from Jeannie, from an op shop).  Singlet: Jeanswest.  Shoes: Target.  Earrings and pendant: from Jeannie.

Today was forecast to be 31.  I'm also in a super-busy time of year, so ironing is not on my list of Things To Do.  Maxi dress to the rescue.  This was its first outing, and I was a little unsure once I'd put it on... but I was told by several people (yes, most of them 9 and 10-yr-old girls) that it is a very pretty dress.  And, although 31 is up there on my list of Least Favourite Numbers, I did appreciate that we were forecast for 31 on my 93rd outfit...

These shoes are a little hard, and this was the first time in ages that I've worn them.  I packed a stack of Band aids... I used nearly all of them...

Possibly the most versatile earrings ever.  They go with everything. 

Today's photo:

No rehearsal today, the ensemble had their last performance last week.  At morning tea, nearly all of them (plus a couple of extras) rushed to my room with these flowers, a card, and a big group hug.  Followed by some dancing and more individual hugs.  Made my day :)

Midday Behaviour

Today, it's hot.  It got up to 31.6 this morning, and is currently (just after 5pm) 28.2.  Inside, I'm quite comfortable, provided I'm doing not much.  I'm curious how I'll go with my run tonight though.  When I took some water out to the garden - wow.  Like stepping into an oven.  Now, I'm not normally a 'do nothing' sort of person.  Admittedly, I still have a few things on my To Do list, but I knew they would make me just want to go to sleep - especially as a nearby party kept me awake a long time last night.  So after church I lay on the sofa a bit, read the monthly publications out today, then decided to watch a movie while having lunch. 

Watching tv during the day is so foreign to me, it hardly ever happens.  This is normally reserved for a rainy card-making day, or... actually, I think that's it.  Today, I didn't even make any cards, I just watched, took notes (so I can do a review soon), had a great phone call with mum, made tonight's dinner (possibly a mistake as it got everything rather hot), had afternoon tea, and started another movie.  Next door is doing loud gardening so the movie's on hold for a bit, which is perfect for doing a blog post.  I was going to wait until tonight or tomorrow for this last movie, but this works better.  There are 3 due back Tuesday and available windows are few.  Note - I'm now able to watch part of a movie, then do something else, and come back to the movie.  Especially this one - it's really good.

Today's photo:

While making coffee (and toast - gotta have toast) the afternoon sun was making my tea jars look all pretty.  I love this blue.

Teal the Cows Come Home

I realised after doing yesterday's post that it was rather geeky - I mean really, glasses and technology???  So today is anything but - girly nail polish.  Not that geeks can't be girly of course, but there are stereotypes...

On Tuesday I dropped into the newly revamped David Jones in a nearby shopping centre.  And I had to smile when I saw the wall of OPI nail polishes.  Heaven.  I love the names for the colours for these polishes.  I made an impulse purchase - a 4-pack of minis, featuring this colour 'Teal the Cows Come Home'.  Or, for any straight blokes who may be reading this - metallic blue.  For a teal colour I would normally expect a bit more green, and generally a bit darker, but I am rather enjoying having blue toenails. 

My feet are exceptionally horrible right now, so you get a beach photo.  If you do happen to see anything close-up - sorry. 

Outfit #58 - Sad Face

Outfit details:

Dress: Country Road (op shop).  Stockings: Target.  Boots: Sandler.  Scarf: Alta Linea.  Earrings: made by me.  Top: Reserve; and Jacket (not pictured): Sportsgirl (both from Jeannie).

Yesterday, I had lunch with Jeannie and then raided 2 suitcases of her old clothes.  I came home with a small suitcase of clothes (a whole new wardrobe, shoes and accessories included).  I was raiding her old clothes because she is about to move interstate.  Sad Face.  I will be visiting her soon, but we won't be just catching up on a weekend or playing gigs together.  :(

Today, given its sad face status, required some blues.  Blue earrings I actually made for Advent one year. 

And blue and black and grey colour block stockings.  When I took the first boots photo I noticed a wrinkle around my knees.  I pulled up the stockings and discovered a whole lot more blue could show.

Other sad facts from today:  my first student (this is my first day back after being off sick) sneezed on me.  (With splatter.  Ew).  I sat around a lot today because it seems to be crazy activity week at school as well as "Let's be unwell" week.  I worked out I will be doing catch up lessons for the rest of the term.  (Goodbye lunch breaks).  I didn't get my post-breakfast, or post-coffee, or post-lunch naps.

A few happy faces:  My first cardio session for a few weeks and I didn't die.  (I didn't go nuts like normal but it wasn't too easy-going).  The kids I did manage to teach were quite lovely.  I saw one of the violin teachers who teaches on different days from me.  Tomorrow is a public holiday in Brisbane - I'm anticipating a lovely sleep or three and, fingers crossed, my first run for some weeks.  I can't wait!

Today's photo:

I have 2 aromatic pink pillar candles, and I found blue-pattern plates at an op shop for them.  Last time I was burning this one all the wax dribbled down the side and pooled around the base.

Outfit #56 - Winter Neutrals

Outfit details:

Skirt: Portmans.  White top: Hot Options.  Blue top: Dotti.  Black top: Wool Base Layers.  Boots: Sandler.  Stockings: ??? Earrings: ? David Jones maybe.  Jacket: Sportsgirl (from Jeannie).  Hat: Portmans.  Scarf: Alta Linea.

I used to think you couldn't black and brown.  Or brown and grey.  Or navy and black.  I threw that all out the window for this outfit.

It seemed like I had oodles of time for photos this morning, but I still managed to miss the early train.  My first student was held up in traffic though so it didn't really matter.  At 7C I wasn't totally keen to go outside, but I could face it all rugged up and ready to go.

One of my grade 4 girls asked if my earrings were meant to be missing sparkly bits...  Um, no.  I guess I'll be finding some sparkly bits in a craft store or in my supplies to get some gluing happening.

These are different stockings from yesterday, truly.  These ones have a hole in the left toe, just a teensy bit annoying.

Speaking of yesterday... I didn't put up a photo of the magpie because it was a bit camera-shy.  I couldn't really see it on the camera screen, but it came through in the photo ok, hiding in the middle of the bush.

Today's photo:

There was a big assembly this morning, so I had coffee with a piano-teaching friend.  On the way back these bright yellow flowers caught my eye.

The Consolation of Art

For the whole holidays, I've been feeling like I almost have a cold.  Today, it hit.  Which was especially mean, as I was looking forward to some auntie time.  With my ears producing dizziness, blocked-up feelings and pain, I wasn't going to be doing any musical activities.  I thought about doing some paper craft things, but I've been feeling like painting for a little while - especially since watching Frida.  Now, there's a massive square canvas that has been sitting behind the keyboard for some time, and a few students have asked when I will finally paint it, and some friends have commented impatiently also.  But there are 3 canvases I've had for even longer that I thought should be dealt with first.  I had a fiddle around with dimensions and ideas, and then I started painting. 

In the process of inspiration, I turned to the creative site, Redbubble.  I joined it by accident last year and, after spending many hours trawling beautiful images, I now only stop by occasionally.  After looking at a few beautiful images today, I decided to add 3 new photos to my portfolio.  Anyway, I found an artist with paintings that made me want to create something similar, and I started painting.  Of course, as soon as the paint started moving on the canvas, my ideas of what should take shape changed immediately.  Partly, I think, because one of the images I uploaded was from Mt Isa, and the blue seemed to be the same sky blue. 

This painting will replace another largely-blue work, at the top of the stairs.  I think.  At present, that area looks like this:

One of the challenges of this canvas is the dimensions: 15x60 inches.  Most of the ideas I've had look screwy in this dimension, and this is the first time I've attempted this. 

Another challenge today was the paint supply.  Once I knew this was an outback Australian sky I was painting, I wanted to do the ochre of the landscape.  Problem: no large supply of yellow paint, and only small shots of yellow ochre.  Solution:  use up the last of the true red, mixed with green.  Weird, but I'm more pleased with the result than I expected.

So far, it looks like this:

I know it needs a little something, and at this stage I often freeze, not wanting to stuff it up.  I foresee a trip to the paint store so I have plenty of supplies with which to paint over mistakes (or, experiments that don't cut it).  My idea for the middle is looking less and less likely...

Today's photo:

Similar to yesterday's... but this time with sunlight.  We had a few hours of not-totally-overcast in the middle of the day, and the light caught the raindrops like crystals.

Outfit #31 - Take Two

Outfit details:

Dress: Cue (op shop).  Shirt: Witchery.  Shoes: Pulp.  Earrings: David Jones.  Necklace: made by me.

I wore this dress last week on Tuesday, so would not normally have picked it for an outfit this week.  However, when rifling through my wardrobe I found this top.  I figured this was the perfect weather for it.  It's debut outing didn't work brilliantly - too cold, then too hot - but under a pinafore and a jacket (I wore my maroon one to school) it worked quite well.  I think this is only the second time I've worn these shoes to school.  So, 2nds for everything.



So, I was right - it was the perfect weather for this top.  Well, perfect weather and perfect work hours.  Wednesdays start a bit later for me now and I finish at school earlier than before, because Thursdays are happening.  I like this. It means I can have a teensy sleep-in.  It means I can take an outfit photo before I leave in the morning.  It means I don't have to gobble breakfast in order to have enough time to do the zip on this dress.  Best of all, it meant today I could have a 20 minute nap.  Which was really a sleep. 






Wednesdays are also a chance to wear necklaces.  I often teach for only 2 or 3 hours at school, and grade 3 crowd control doesn't need me (usually) to be able to play without rattling.  I was in charge for a little for each of the classes today but we only just started playing with the bow on open strings.  Last week there was a little one in tears and I thought it was because her shoulder rest fell off just before they all started playing.  This week - same child in tears for most of the lesson.  I asked if something was hurting.. "My blub blub can't blub burble hiccup arm burble blub blub sound.."  Riiiight.... Turns out she's a crier. 

Obviously, taking photos at school gets really boring - these are in my courtyard.  This is only possible on some occasions - the lighting, weeds and spiderweb conditions have to be just right.

Outfit #27 - I've Got the Blues

Outfit details:
Shirt: Lily White (op shop).  Dress: Cue (op shop).  Shoes: Lipstick Design (op shop).  Earrings: made by me.  Scarf (below): gift from Judy.  Jacket (below): Sportsgirl (from Jeannie).  I think this is the first entirely recycled school outfit.

Cons of this outfit: the straps on the dress kept slipping down.
Pros of this outfit: where do I begin?!  Well, a good start would be that this dress is from Cue.  It used to be that I would not even bother entering a Cue store - I was just the wrong shape.  But this fits!  And in my normal size too.  I actually had this outfit planned for the end of last term, but the zip is really stiff - the thought of struggling to do the zip and then wearing a very restrictive outfit all day did not really appeal in that weather.  But the dress is even looser now, and I finished breakfast 6 minutes faster than normal this morning so I could get to work on the zip.

When I was thinking about what to wear today, I must admit I had the blues.  I won't go into that here, but my mood and the desire to wear these shoes again resulted in an all-blue ensemble.  It worked so well!  As soon as I was in the heels I felt better.  Add to that the compliments I received on shoes and general elegance and this was one much happier teacher.


 I made a bracelet from these same stone chips (dyed agate), which I love.  The clasp tore off in a mega-clothes-trying-on experience and I just haven't replaced it yet - maybe this weekend. 


After the last time I wore this shirt, I was on the phone with my mum.  "Now...about these outfits...", she starts.  Immediately I'm wary.  "That shirt with the stripes.  It looks a bit tired.  I think maybe you should retire it..."  I asked if it would be ok if it was under something else (the problem was with the bottom hem), but the suggestion was not met with excitement.  I wonder if this result is acceptable.  It certainly met with approval at school.


Can you tell I'm wearing stockings?  Again, possibly the first time I've worn stockings with peep toe shoes.  Without reinforced toes I hope it was ok.  Thankfully it didn't result in my feet slipping around in the shoes.

Obviously the weather has really changed, so for the earlier and later hours I also sported the scarf and jacket.  The jacket has the backing of a badge - I have several ideas for a covering for it but I'm thinking of asking some kids for ideas.  They're always entertaining.  As a bonus, I now have a maroon jacket for when State of Origin rolls around.

The scarf is so beautiful to wear.  And possibly my most versatile scarf.  It's light enough that I can wear it when the weather is only moderately cold, but there's enough of it that it suits for much colder weather also. 

Can you tell I'm ridiculously tired?  A few of these scarf shots were horrendously eye-baggy.  This one is not amazing, but it does show the colours of the scarf and jacket best (although the jacket is actually a bit brighter).

Outfit #20 - Floaty Blue Debut

I bought this top nearly 3 years ago.  Today was the first time I wore it...

Outfit details:
Singlet: Hot Options. Top: Witchery. Skirt: Sunny Girl.  Shoes: Pulp.  Necklace: op shop. Earrings: silver shop?

Although this top feels incredibly beautiful when on (it's silk), it's rather awkward in terms of being weather-appropriate.  Walking to the station this morning, I was quite chilly, but by the time I'd taught my first student I was feeling quite warm.  I think it might get more wearings in the cooler months as a layer piece, but we'll see.

I almost didn't even count this as an 'outfit', as I only taught 3 kids at school, and changed into jeans as soon as I got home.  And then pajamas for a nap.  But having only 3 kids today means I have more to teach at school tomorrow.  After that, though - holidays!

(Apologies for the poor quality lead photo, again.  And yes, I decided at the last minute to change accessories.  Meanwhile, isn't the 'soundproofing' in my teaching room attractive?!).

Outfit #16 - A Bit French

Today was blergh.  But blue and white and red - hello France.

Outfit details:
Skirt and white singlet: Hot Options.  Top: David Lawrence.  Shoes: Milu.  Earrings: ? from David Jones.  Necklace: made by me.

Although I didn't go to bed exhausted, I woke up in the middle of a dream.  From then on, it was mostly downhill.  I won't blab on and on about my day, but there were train problems, it was raining, I hadn't taken a warm top or painkillers (both, unusually, would have been great), and my eyes have felt like closing all day.





It wasn't all bad.  I'll now be playing as well as listening at a gig on Friday - the Global Music Fiesta starts at 6 at the Bleeding Heart Gallery, 166 Ann St, in the city.  Tickets are $15 (minimum) at the door, all proceeds to CARE Australia.  I'm excited!

This skirt was one of last year's most-worn items.  I didn't tally its wearings, but it seems to have been worn a lot in my memory.  And no surprise really, as it's black and white and doesn't need ironing, or even to be on a hanger.  It does, however, have some not-amazing memories to go with it.  Today I even considered putting it in my giveaway pile.  We'll see.

The shoes had a bit of a comeback today - the first (and last) time I wore them I had the most horrendous blisters.  No running for a bit, and I had to get those large Elastoplasts in order to not cry when I wore shoes.  Some preemptive Bandaids sorted that problem today.

 You can always tell when I haven't had many breaks at school - the detail shots are taken at home...  By the time I got home, all I wanted to do was change into pajamas and sleep.  See my dedication in taking detail shots first?  Well, maybe.  The earrings are hard to see.  But they're like snowflakes, if you're wondering.  The idea for the necklace I stole from someone else - theirs had black beads instead of red, and red instead of white.  I quite like the idea of using small beads to fill the in between bits, instead of bare wire and crimps.

This top has a very tactile front.  Kids love touching it (weird much?!) - not only does it have bits attached, but they're of different textures also.  Unfortunately it needs a different something underneath, as I was adjusting my front all day.

Outfit #1

 So, very bravely, I reveal my first school outfit... As this was only a meeting, I dressed more casually than I would for school.  Plus, it continues to rain.  I don't want to ruin any shoes!  When I was about to take photos, I realised I very almost matched a painting - I was missing something green, but had blue, red, and black and white stripes. 

I found it exceedingly hard to take outfit photos.  Aside from getting feet and head in the frame, facial expression and enough of the front that you can see details proved problematic.  Hence the small photos. 

Dress: Ally (used to be Jeannie's).  Singlet: Ice.  Sandals: Hot Options (emergency purchase).  Earrings: Mombasa.  Pendant: made by Jeannie.  Zebra-print umbrella: no idea.

Wednesday, January 4 - Talking to Strangers

I'm hoping this will not be the last Talking to Strangers.  Some people seem to find this easy, others not... Obviously, I fit well and truly in the latter.
Now, I tend to take people as they are.  I don't tend to notice if they are looking particularly gorgeous, although I might if they look exceptionally trashy.  If someone asks if I notice anything different, I usually have to guess (haircut/pierced ears etc) until I get it right.  But I do feel great when someone sees me and says, "Nice dress".  So I've started looking for potential compliments *before* it's a return compliment.  Then, at summer school in the first week, a lady was wearing a dress in one of my favourite blue shades and I said, without thinking, "Love your dress". 
Of course, once started, this is an easy one to continue, and I've since found several options for initial compliments.