Franny Gets Frocked: It's Showtime!

Monday 18 May 2015

It's Showtime!

Dress: Anthea Crawford jersey

Kimono: Tree of Life crepe

Anorak: TS nylon

Brogues: Ziera patent

Bag: Novo patent

Brooch: Gift, paua shell (from New Zealand)

Bracelet: Gift, chrome & paua shell (from New Zealand)

As a lifelong Ipswichian (well, almost) "The Show" is somewhat of a tradition, as is attending with my Mother on the afternoon of the first & busiest of the 3 days - the Public Holiday that begins a long weekend for those living in the Western Suburbs.

This year, festivities included the ever-popular Sideshow Alley, Showbag Pavilion, Farm Machinery display, Student Schoolwork & Art Display, Beekeeping Exhibit, Dinosaur Adventures Mini Paleontology, Talent Show, Baby Animal Nursery & Mouse Circus, Poultry & Waterfowl Judging, Dog Show, Dressage & Show Jumping, FMX Stunt Bike Show, Monster Trucks, Derby, Camel Races, Rodeo & Spectacular Fireworks, to name but a few. Phew! It really seemed like a lot to take in but as people who don't particularly enjoy "thrill rides," we basically stuck to the wares, displays, animal judging & ring events... & the food, especially the delicious Sausage & Onion Rolls (with BBQ sauce) from Rotary, where all the proceeds go to a worthy cause.

But I digress.

This funky psychedelic print jersey dress from Anthea Crawford, with three-quarter sleeves, a slight v-neckline & a twist detail under the bust to create a slim, empire-line silhouette was ideal for the cooler afternoon & the perfect juxtaposition of sophisticated print & casual fabric, particularly when mixed with a black, long-line nylon anorak from Taking Shape featuring a "lantern" shaped hemline, large "scuba suit" zipper & white stitching detail.

The encroaching darkness & accompanying drop in temperature meant that another layer was required & this bohemian-style, tie dye crepe kimono from my local Tree of Life store was an inspired bit of pattern-mixing, picking up on a shade of blue from the print of the dress & aforementioned white stitching on the anorak to create a cohesive overall look. What I love about tie dye is that every single piece is different - no one else will have exactly the same as I have, making my ensemble truly unique. Check out the quirky layering in detail below:

As usual, black patent, wedge heeled Ziera brogues - & a pair of black matte tights - were chosen to "anchor" the otherwise eclectic look, as well as a black patent boxy handbag from Novo that was large enough to carry all of my supplies... you know, things like money, tissues, hand sanitiser, mobile phone, a few snacks & other small purchases...

Jewellery was kept to a minimum for such an occasion - a chrome & paua shell combo brought back by a dear friend as souvenirs of her recent trip to New Zealand. The stylised "cameo" mosaic brooch & square-beaded bracelet clearly a perfect match for the vivid colours of the dress' psychedelic print.

With all the outfit details out of the way, scroll down for some snippets from the afternoon/evening in question...

Into the mouth of the fearsome T Rex... & lived to tell the tale!

Finding the Queen Bee at the Ipswich Beekeeping Association's popular exhibit... & going home with a few kilograms of delicious Ironbark honey & some honey comb...