Fashion blogging is not for the faint of heart.

Yes, yes there is a wee bit of pundage in the title of this post. But I tell you, after attempting to try on and photograph four different outfits, it's damn hard work and I am in desperate need of a nanna nap, or medically induced coma.

A few weeks back I was lucky enough to win a $150 Westfield gift card from one of my favourite fashion bloggers, the beautiful and talented Marianne from, Esme and The Laneway. A former London native and now fellow Melbournian, Marianne runs a fantastic fashion blog that matches her incredible eye for vintage with amazing and flawless styling. She also has an enviable shoe collection which I not so secretly, covet. I've followed her blog for a couple of years now and it is a true pleasure, especially on a not so fantastic day, of which I have a few. I am also determined to attempt one of her vintage hair tutorials as soon as I overcome the whole pesky arms above head equals pass out, scenario. Following my post-online shopping high I was silly enough to promise her some photographs of my purchases, hence this sad attempt at fashion blogging.


Being ill fashion often fades into the background, but of late I've been trying to bring it back. It's no longer as simple as buying something just because I like it. Comfort is key. I can't stand tight clothing and I tend to wear light summer clothes even in the midst of Winter thanks to a body temperature set at Sahara. And it needs to be easy to put on. With so little energy each day I simply can't afford to waste that precious resource on simply getting dressed, especially when my compulsory compression stockings already require the energy equivalent of running a marathon to put on. Given that I also continue to lose weight despite my best efforts, this win was very fortuitous as most of my wardrobe is now too big. Even bigger bonus, it was mid-year sales and I managed to get everything for over 50% off.  Three dresses and a skirt. Score!

Okay here goes. Feel free to giggle at the crazy woman in the wood shed and her questionable fashion sense. My homage to Blue Steel and generally being a fool.

Dress: Dangerfield Angelina Dress in Gold.

Stockings: Juzo Soft 20-30mmHg in Chocolate (Summer collection).

Shoes: Tiny store in Singapore many a year ago.

Necklace: Peacock necklace ASOS.

Bracelet: c1930 Green Bakelite clasp bracelet, gift from Mr Grumpy.

Walking stick: From granny aides store, desperately in need of bedazzling. Actually I'd love an antique black stick with a silver Art Nouveau handle, but I'm still on the hunt for one in my price range.

Dress: Dangerfield Walking in the Rain in navy.

Stockings: Juzo Soft 20-30mmHg in Jade (Winter collection).

Boots: Found in back of wardrobe about 10 years old no idea where I bought them.

Necklace: My mum's from the 60's.

Dress: Dangerfield Samantha Dress in Red.

Stockings: Juzo Soft 20-30mmHg in Shadow (Summer collection)

Shoes: Black T-bars, again I've had them for years. Well worn and label has rubbed off.

Cuffs: I've had both since high school, no idea where I bought them.

Skirt: Dangerfield Bunny's in the Band Mini in Black (okay this looked way longer in the picture)

Stockings: Juzo Soft 20-30mmHg in Violet (Summer collection)

Shoes: Plum coloured heels again from Singapore many a year ago.

T-shirt: Threadless Toil.

Cardigan: Just Jeans, about 10yrs ago.

Necklace: Dorothy Shoes, a gift from the lovely Shae of Shae Ecelectique

Photographer: The L-Plater and myself (Blue steel abilities are obviously genetic).

The day's endeavours have taught me many things. First and foremost, it is really really easy to embarrass your teenage son. Simply ask him to take photos of you whilst you do your best Blue Steel impersonations. Secondly, I have all the grace of besser block. My posing abilities are apparently as bad as my breathing whilst standing abilities, otherwise known as "what the hell is wrong with your leg, Mum? It looks like you broke it." In my defence I did put on some small heels, was using a cane, and trying not to pass out, whilst my Annie Leibovitz wannabe told me to "work it, work it" (I see years of therapy ahead). Thirdly, trying to put on and take off four pairs of compression stockings is exhausting. I'm pretty sure I have done a year's worth of cardio today on that simply act alone. Nanna naps are definitely order of the day. Fourthly, my ability to apply makeup has disappeared. This became readily apparent when I applied mascara to my eyeball and right nostril rather than my eyelashes thanks to an errant muscle spasm. Fifthly, do not allow your teenage son try and help you out of the wood shed. Yes his 6'2' frame can lift you but it can also pop or aggravate a disc, OW. Sixth and possibly most important, all of these things add up to lots of laughter and fun.

Cheers
Michelle :)

*I decided to go all Dangerfield as each Westfield store charges it's own postage. So rather than spend $50 just on postage I went for one store and paid $10.

**I should add it's probably not a great idea to try and do a fashion shoot in your backyard when you are already bradycardic. Today is not pretty. But it was fun at the time. Hence my music accompaniment. Little Birdy's, Relapse.