freak out

Holey guacamole, I am 21. What. When. Why. How. Where did all the time go? I feel like I was in high-school the other day, and now I'm 21? WOAH.

Post-21st celebrations have left me feeling a number of things. Nostalgic, yet grown-up, but also a little dis-organised and weird. The other day I was thinking about when I was a child. You know, the times when you used to try to predict what the future would hold? I actually laughed out loud at my child-self and her thoughts. Apparently age 25 (which is clearly so old), is in-fact the age to have children of your own, a loving long-term relationship, live in some big house with your own cord-less home phone, and of course be working in your dream job (I honestly believed I would be on Getaway). As a child, you are so freakin' positive about the future, and everything surrounding you. You can't wait to grow up, have responsibility and ultimately - be an adult. Then, one day, it's your 21st birthday and you're just like 'what the fuck'. 

So, with all these things playing on my mind, I did the logical thing and re-organised/completely cleaned out my room. Yep, I know - so logical.

If you haven't done this in a while, I strongly recommend it. Yeah, getting started might be tough but once you're there, there is no turning back. Whilst surrounded by clothing, shoes and a ridiculous amount of mundane objects on my bedroom floor, I found some clarity. Kind of like that moment in Can't Buy me Love when a young Dempsey realises he is super in love with the first-thought-superficial-bitch-cheerleader-that-is-actually-really-nice. Okay, maybe not - but close. I realised that there have been, and will continue to be so many crazy, strange and pretty awesome moments in my life and 21 is just the beginning. I can't wait to see what my future holds!

So on that note, here are some fan-fucking-tastic happy snaps from my 21st flower party for your perusing. 

Behind the scenes for Greta Kate

Melbourne Cup, Australia's no.1 horse race ...and festival of high end fashion.

Okay, let's just cut to the chase, most ladies don't head to the Melbourne Cup to watch a horse race - they go to flaunt their fashion, fascinators and have some drunk fun in the sun. They may put some money on their favourite horse (not because it is actually good, but because it has a cute name), but it is certain that they will be admiring (or judging) every other women's outfit at the cup. 

So this year's race-day saw the opportunity for me to work behind the scenes at the Melbourne Cup parade during Variety's Melbourne Cup event at the Hilton Hotel. The Parade was put on by Greta Kate, an Adelaide based designer who found her collection inspiration whilst traveling around Europe with her beau, sourcing fabrics and having an all round amazing time. Her high-end fashion pieces come together to make up a collection which embodies elegance, and sophistication - with a little bit of bling. I absolutely loved the contrast between the block coloured, flowing, silk tops with embellished straps that were paired with sequin leggings, in comparison to the floral skirts and tops brought to life with bright fascinators. As an individual who usually shuns anything with sequins or sparkle, Greta's sequined leggings made me a little weak at the knees. I was surprised myself how much I loved them, they were amazing!

The day began at 10.30am, to get acquainted with the models, other dressers and people who made the show run smoothly, and of course - meet Greta (she is so lovely). 

11am: Rehearsals, and complete run through of the show

12 - 1.30pm: Lunch break. 

1.30-2pm: Fashion show

The girls I had the pleasure to meet and work with during the day were all wonderful, and predominantly fashion students at tafe. It was nice to meet some super-cool people all interested in the same sorta stuff, and it was even better to see how fast and crazy everything is backstage. One minute, the models are poised, proper and delicately strutting their stuff on the runway, and the next - running down the hall in heels like a crazy person whilst stripping and getting ready for the worlds fastest clothing change. Manic!

 Sourced: Greta Kate