ShowTellShare One Hundred and Ninety-Five

Sunday: A beautiful autumn day in Sydney…

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To have some fun, and celebrate my birthday…

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Yesterday we spent part of the day checking out some fabulous art at the Art Gallery of NSW. Not surprisingly, I responded *well* to the more colourful works…

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It’s like looking into a mirror…

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These artworks photographed are by Ugo Rondinone.

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Artwork by Sol LeWitt.

And *naturally* I was celebrating the day of my birth by wearing some new, vintage Ken Done. This 1980s shirt had found it’s way to Italy, when I then bought it back recently via eBay to its Sydney home, probably some 10 or 20 years later. I just love it! And, of course, I was also wearing some handmade work from Abuk at The Social Studio.

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Tell: Handmade earrings, Uniqlo skivvy, Ken Done vintage 1980s shirt, brooch gifted, necklace gifted for my birthday, vintage belt from UK, Tatty Devine bracelet, handmade bracelet made by Abuk from The Social Studio, ‘Diamonds Ain’t a Girls Best Friend’ ring from UK, Sportsgirl skirt from op shop, Jonathan Aston stockings, Happy Socks, Fluevog boots, and Tatty Devine balloon leather necklace.

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Artwork by Ugo Rondinone, adjusted here by the *spectacular* Hawaiian First Officer and me.

And then, because I’ve been a little ‘light on’ with outfit posts recently, here’s some from the last few days…

Saturday: An ongoing love with secondhand 1980s Escada…

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Tell: Handmade earrings, Kmart skivvy, vintage Escada shirt, Anthea Crawford skirt from op shop, Jonathan Aston tights, tights underneath from Japan and Fluevog boots.

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Friday:

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Tell: Earrings from op shop, Saba skivvy, Leona Edmiston dress from op shop, Tatty Devine cat bangle as necklace, Estilio belt, Sportsgirl tights as gift, borrowed socks from the HFO, Fluevog shoes, Tatty Devine balloon bag, gifted ‘Frida Kahlo’ bag.

Just me enjoying my mis-matched, but still matching earrings!

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ShowTellShare one Hundred and Eighty-Six

Share: Meet Nina Maya, The Social Outfit‘s very own *new* board member!

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We’re all really excited to have Nina involved; check out how amazing she is:

Nina Maya Skrzynski is one of Australia’s most outstanding designers renowned for creating collections with an emphasis on quality, silhouette and finishing. Since the launch of her Nina Maya label in 2006, she has developed a strong following from industry, celebrity and consumers alike. Completing a design degree, majoring in textiles at the College of Fine Arts Sydney, Nina has always held a strong penchant for fashion. Following this, she set off for London for an internship at a leading textile firm, before relocating to Italy where she worked for a luxury fashion house. Nina was honoured by an invitation to design her own range for the company, which was produced shortly after. Following her work abroad, Nina returned to Australia to establish her own business and further her self-titled label. Created with a style and design philosophy against the trend of disposable fashion, her focus on sustainability and a desire to create investment pieces have served as a solid foundation for the label’s success. Nina’s desire to push the envelope in design has seen her develop an artisan-like approach to her label. 

In July 2009, the Nina Maya label was selected by MYER to be included in their stable of designer collections and is now stocked nationally. The brand has developed strong working relationships with a select group of celebrities, most notably creating one-off red carpet designs for Jennifer Hawkins, Rebecca Twigley and Delta Goodrem. The resulting recognition of this saw the introduction of the Nina Maya Bespoke service in which customers have the opportunity to have demi-couture designs created personally by Nina for a specific occasion or event. 

Nina Maya has now extended the 
application of her skills to launch Nina Maya Interiors. After returning from London to Sydney, Nina Maya Interiors was launched in early 2012. Since then, Nina Maya has completed residential and commercial interiors design projects in Sydney and Beijing, China. 

In terms of philanthropic work, Nina is a Trustee of the Sky Foundation, a founding member of the ‘10 x 10 Project’ (aimed at engendering a culture of philanthropy and giving within the young professional and creative communities), and a member of the New Gen initiative at Philanthropy Australia.

Welcome Nina!

Show: And here’s some photos from last Friday, as a bunch of us were preparing and working hard at The Rocks Pop-Up spaces, in what will soon be The Social Outfit‘s new home whilst we run our pilot project

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There is a tonne of work to do: Eeeeek! But rest assured I’m making a real effort to make sure our creative workshops, exhibition space and ‘The Social Studio‘ pop-up store are *super interesting* for you to come and visit! For more details as we develop, check out here

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Tell: Earrings handmade, ‘Tokyo Kamen‘ brooch from Japan, ‘Promenade’ shirt from op shop, The Social Studio singlet, TS14+ dress, Black Milk leggings, Fluevog boots. All rings from Italy.

And this is today…

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Tell: Wa-Nyika earrings, scarf from op shop, handmade necklace, dress from secondhand store, vintage leather belt from secondhand store, Spin Dance petticoat, retail tights and socks, Fluevog sandals. Vintage Australiana bag from secondhand store.
Check out  also the First Hawaiian Officer’s *lovely* vintage shirt (below); we’re wearing matching retro-greens… And a BIG *thanks always* to the FHO for such great photos!
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This mini-comic says it all, really …
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ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eighty-Three

Share: Wow… The things I find myself doing in the pursuit of making The Social Outfit happen in Sydney. Take today for example…

In this outfit,

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At one point, I was standing in an elevator, talking straight to a professional camera-man, pitching The Social Outfit concept in just 45 seconds. Do you know how quick that is?! “Hello, my name is Jackie, and I’d *love* The Social Outfit to happen…” and BAM! 45 seconds is up! Plus, talking to a camera is REALLY hard. And then, a person who works inside the building got in the lift with me too while we were recording live – I don’t think he had any idea why I was standing in a work elevator talking to a camera crew. Heaven knows what the video ended up looking like! One thing I do know: I sure did try my best.

You see, today was my Vodafone Foundation ‘World of Difference’ interview. I’m lucky enough to reach the Top 10 this year, and *FINGERS CROSSED* this time we get it. Honestly, what a ‘world of difference‘ this support would make! A BIG step closer to opening our doors.

Naturally, too, I was wearing The Social Studio for such an important event. And, does my dress look a little familiar perhaps? That’s right, this is the dress Hawanatu showcased in our November 2012 runway show

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This gem is made with vintage fabric, and I simply love the design of these The Social Studio dresses: so comfortable, so easy to wear. A worthwhile purchase for me!

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Tell: Glasses from Japan, handmade earrings and necklace, The Social Studio dress, Fletcher Jones skirt from op shop, retail tights, Happy Socks, vintage 1980-90s Fluevog clog shoes.

And finally, look how we are developing with our The Social Outfit Pilot Project:

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We had so many great people offer to be involved in our workshops, and I’m so pleased that we have on offer a great range of workshops of fashion-related fun. Thanks Nicole, Catharine and Soraya! And soon, we’ll all get to watch the genius-creativity of young people from refugee backgrounds… Exciting!

If you want to be kept up to date as the event develops, follow our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/520967514627304/

xo

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Sixty-Six

Show: Friday Happy Blues…

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Tell: Ken Done vintage glasses, earrings handmade by and gifted from Iain, Tatty Devine fish necklace, Jessica Dance necklace, Reg Mombassa ‘Mambo’ singlet from op shop, Saba belt, Ken Done vintage handmade skirt from eBay, tights from Japan, Fluevog boots.

Share: I have no real interest in surf wear, but I have a deep love for the art of Reg Mombassa (Chris O’Doherty). I saw a retrospective of his artwork in Sydney a few years ago and felt completely inspired by his art practice. So when I found me some vintage Reg Mombassa art via this ‘Mambo’ shirt in an op shop, I grabbed it *hard* with both hands, with no plans to let go anytime soon.

A shout out too, to darling Frances at Corpulent for our shared love of Mombassa (amongst many other things)! xo

The Social Outfit work-wise, I’m back into the swing of things (now only with what I’m calling a *stabby* appendix), with an excellent fundraising meeting with Antonia and David from our Committee last night. Progress, progress.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Fifty-Nine

Show/Share: A Sydney day of 44+ degrees makes dressing with any kind of *verve* quite difficult. This is what I was able to manage…

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Tell: The Social Studio silk scarf as headband, The Social Studio silk dress gifted by Jo, singlet found in op shop, vintage beaded necklace from secondhand store in Santa Barbara, Uniqlo leggings from Japan, retail shoes gifted.

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Yesterday afternoon I met with Juneth (L) and Hawanatu (R). Hawanatu was one of our *spectacular* models for The Social Outfit’s November runway event. Juneth is Hawanatu’s friend, and she works as a model. She’s also looking to raise money through a charity project to support women who have obstetric fistula in the Congo. So we talked about organising charity events, and fundraising strategies, etc. It was lovely to meet up, and I look forward to hearing more about Juneth’s project as it develops.

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And below is Kit on Thursday this week. As we all keep working on The Social Outfit‘s short-and long-term development strategies, I’d say face number 3 was the most common over the day! As I have said to both Chloe and Kit, it’s so great to have them on board helping us in practical ways. Plus, I love Kit’s 90s floral shirt (note studded collar)… and, she’s sporting a Tatty Devine necklace; so RAD.

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ShowTellShare One Hundred and Fifty-Six

Show: … If you go down to the city today, you’re sure of a good surprise …

… If you go down to the city today, you’d better go in disguise …

… Because there is a GIANT RUBBER DUCK!

As soon as I heard this installation was a part of the Sydney Festival, I knew I had to see it in person. Who doesn’t *love* a giant object?! And a duck at that! Cute Duck Alert!!

Tell: Japanese umbrella gifted from my Mum years ago, handmade orange necklace, Tatty Devine necklace, ‘By Ottino’ dress with John Kaldor fabric from op shop, Kmart leggings, Fluevog shoes, Jenny Kee vintage bag.

Share: Yesterday was the last day before my 2013 working year begins in earnest. So I took the opportunity to spend some time in Sydney, wandering around and having a final relax before getting back on ‘Bring The Social Outfit to Sydney’ bandwagon this week. I’m excited! I’m ready! Let’s try and make this happen!

… This Tatty Devine necklace is known as part of the ‘Chamber of the Sun’ series. How apt for our weather at the moment, across Australia. Stay safe, lovelies. xo

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Fifty-Four

Show/Share: Last night we returned to Sydney, and it proved a *spectacular* way to finish up 2012, and herald in 2013… Because we came home to see that the ATO has granted The Social Outfit ‘Deductible Gift Recipient’ status and the ‘Charity Tax Concessions’. Yep, we’re now a bona fide Public Benevolent Institution! *Great news* that is another super important step on our way to securing our future in Sydney. It made the fireworks last night feel a little extra special…

… And I couldn’t have done all the ATO paperwork and procedure without the help of The Social Studio’s Grace McQuilten. She’s supported me every step of the way, and her advice and counsel is *priceless*. A huge and heartfelt thanks to her xo xo

In other fashion-related news, can you believe I found this custom, hand-made dress in an op shop in Perth? $24.99 and my size, it’s like it was made for me! Once I spotted it I just kept clawing at it, praying it would fit. Hooray, it does! Ruffles! *You Rock* Perth op-shops; so much second-hand gold to be found…

Another highlight from Perth was going on an evening boat cruise on the Mandurah Canals to look at people’s Christmas lights. It *so* appealed to my love of kitsch, glitter and frou-frou!

Yet another super-fantastic photo by the Hawaiian First Officer, who really is the BEST live-in-photographer ever! <3 …Thanks for all your support and expertise in 2012 … <3

The Hawaiian First Officer and I also spent New Year’s Eve with friends; including dearest Bec who is sporting my Ken Done shirt she bought in the auctions when supporting What Ken Be Done. Love!

So here’s to a hopeful and fulfilling 2013 for us all! xo

Tell: Hat from ‘Cat Protection Society’ op shop in Enmore, Wa-Nyika earrings, Tatty Devine necklace, handmade dress from Perth op shop, vintage belt from London, Uniqlo leggings, Camper sandals.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Fifty-Two

Share: One *good* thing about sitting in a holding pattern on our flight from Sydney to Melbourne for over an hour on Friday night was that I got to watch more and more of Mike Nichols’ 1988 US classic, Working Girl

And, as you can see, it was from the 1980s eyeshadow that I took *most* inspiration for my Saturday’s outfit!

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Tell: Earrings from Japan, Dragstar dress, Oroton belt from op shop, handmade silver necklace gifted by Iain, robot necklace from Young Bloods Markets, Black Milk leggings, Birkenstock sandals.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Twenty-One

Show/Share: What a busy week, including catching up with members of the Sydney Outfit last night for a meeting:

L-R: David Hardie, Meredith Turnbull, Antonia Ruffell, and David Ajak Ajang. Grace McQuilten called in from Melbourne, and I got to catch up with Sarah Chisholm earlier in the day. It takes a team!

As well as having a meeting with the Sydney Outfit to continue with our business planning, I also met again with The Social Outfit’s own volunteer, Chloe Wilson. I’m so *excited* that I have some more hands-on help with our growing work.

Plus, another couple of meetings with professionals in the Not For Profit and fundraising sectors: seeking strategic advice as we put together our best model for having a version of The Social Studio here in Sydney. We’ve got to get it right, and that takes time.

And all this work undertaken on a 30 degree day, with me wearing socks, sandals and of course, The Social Studio!

Some lovely detail from my op-shopped Fiorucci vest:

Tell: Glasses from op shop, earrings gifted from Jenni, Tatty Devine necklace, vintage Fiorucci vest from op shop, The Social Studio silk dress gifted from Jo, stockings from Japan, Camper Sandals.

And just another quick sneak of an outfit earlier in the week, from Tuesday, because my nephew gave me the silver bracelet (which can also be worn as a necklace). Bless his ability to already spot *fun fashion* for his aunty at 8 years old! xo

Tell: Glasses from Japan, Norman Hartwell dress from op shop, Sportscraft belt, Fluevog boots.

 

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Twelve

Show/Tell/Share: Down Under, Down South…

Yesterday Day 6/10, 12 September: Glasses from op shop, earrings from H&M Japan, Tatty Devine necklace, Ken Done ‘Down Under’ vintage t-shirt from eBay, Kmart skivvy, Fletcher Jones tartan skirt, Simon de Winter socks, Fluevog shoes.

And some pink eyebrows just because…

As for today, well OF COURSE, I *had* to visit my favourite store in Melbourne… Check out my grin at simply being in The Social Studio … Plus of course, I picked up some *great* and stylish bargains. Can’t wait to show you! xo xo

Today, Day 7/10, 13 September: Glasses from op shop, Wa-Nyika earrings, pashmina scarf from Italy, Uniqlo skivvy, red skirt from Savers op shop Frankston, vintage belt from UK, Ken Done leggings, Happy SocksFluevog shoes from Sole Devotion.

And thanks Lily for posing with me…

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Eleven

Show/Tell/Share: Ah Melbourne, there you are…

Day 5/10, 11 September: Glasses from op shop, earrings from Japan, pashmina scarf from Italy, Ralph Lauren cashmere pink skivvy from Warburton op shop for ONLY $3!, The Social Studio silk dress (gifted from Jo), Black Milk ’Woman in Red’ leggings, socks borrowed this time from my Dad, Fluevog shoes, Linda Jackson bag (gifted to me by The First Hawaiian Officer).

Day 4/10, 10 September: Uniqlo skivvy, denim dress from op shop, Saba belt, Ken Done leggings, Happy Socks, Fluevog men’s loafers.

ShowTellShare One Hundred and Seven

Show: Presenting Knitted Gold…

Tell: Knitted gold chain handmade by me, child’s kimono worn as jacket, dress bought from Berlin second hand market, Fluevog sandals.

Share: Today I’m off to a training session entitled, ‘How to Better Manage Your Fashion Business Operations’, run by the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia Limited (also known as the Australia Fashion Council, or TIFA). I’m looking forward to some new insights for setting up The Social Outfit here in Sydney.

As for my necklace, I’m always a bit pleased when I imagine myself crafting-up something, and in the end, I actually complete it, and it looks like I wanted it to. I just love my *BLING* knitted, don’t you?!! xo

ShowTellShare Ninety-Four

Show:

Tell: ‘Leesa’ shirt from op shop, The Social Studio silk dress as skirt detail, red dress from op shop (underneath), vintage belt from Shoreditch, London, stockings from Japan, Fluevog shoes.

Share: Today Sarah, one of the *talented* Sydney Outfit members, and I went and visited Bourke Street Bakery. We met with Paul and David, who are two of the owners, as they are also involved in the Bread & Butter Project, a new social enterprise working with people from refugee communities in Sydney. It was great to meet and talk with them about how we are developing The Social Studio model here in Sydney. With both projects having such complimentary aims, I’m sure this won’t be the last time that we meet. And, I’m always happy to take trusted business advice on board, and both Paul and David gave us some *top* ideas. Thanks to them, and onwards we continue! xo