26 March, 2011

My Cranlana Fashion Parade outfit - Deep blue dress and yellow opera coat

On Thursday morning I attending a lovely vintage event - a talk and vintage fashion parade organised by Charlotte Smith of the Darnell Collection, with assistance from Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing. It was held at the lovely historical Cranlana home in Toorak (Melbourne) which is owned by the Myer family (the owner of the largest department store in Australia). It was a lovely event and the talks by Charlotte and other guests (including a curator from the National Gallery of Victoria) were really interesting. Unfortunately, I can't show you any photos of the parade itself as no photos were allowed in the home. But you can get a glimpse of the outfits worn on Nicole's website here: Circa.

As it was a morning tea event, I wanted to wear something appropriate - not too dressy but something smart and sophisticated (for my international readers - Toorak is a tres elegant and fancy suburb - the most expensive address in Melbourne so I wanted to look the part!)

 
I chose a vintage deep blue fitted dress (late 50's perhaps?) with a 50s mustard yellow opera coat.
The coat was given to me by my mother's cousin, who was in her 70s at the time. I love the label 'Le Monde Modes - Melbourne'. Sigh . . .




 With my fair skin and propensity for freckles, I wouldn't normally wear yellow (I only have three yellow things in my wardrobe, all given to me!). However, I find I can get away with it if I wear a strong colour next to my skin - like this deep blue. Blue is my favourite colour by the way - I particularly love royal blue. It is actually sometimes difficult to find that colour in vintage dresses. Not sure why!

 I did all these photos with a self-timer and pedestal-thingy - what do they call them again? Oh yes, tripod! Anyway, as you can see I need to practice a bit with placement - but thought you might like to see some my treasured dresser - which I had to quickly dust before I took these photos! (I am THE worst housekeeper)

Last (but not least) the fab silver buckle shoes I wore with my outfit. They are 60's era, so not quite in keeping with the 50's dress and coat. But still, they are fabulous! (quite uncomfortable by the way, but comfort is not really something I factor in any more to my outfits!)

Outfit details
late 50's blue dress Top Hat vintage clothing store, High St, Northcote
50s yellow opera coat  gift
brooch op shop Edinburgh ($5 bargain!)
50s earrings Callie Whelan Camberwell markets
60s silver buckle shoes etsy

4 comments:

  1. Those shoes are beautiful. I have always wanted a pair of sparkly 60s pumps but I can never find them in my size.

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  2. Maria - you looked divine at the Parade (as always!!) It was wonderful to catch up with you there !! Just wanted to let you know that you are my Miss April on my blog....and what a lovely Miss April you make too !! XX

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  3. Hola, me gusta mucho tu blog, en ésta imagen me recordaste a Catherine Zeta Jones

    http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/dos-and-donts/style-and-fashion/2008/03/07/springtime-in-new-york

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