Frocktober 2014:: Day 31 - Last DAY! Carmen Miranda

What a wild ride this month has been! Thank you for coming along. Thank you for your generosity. Your kind words. Your lifting me up in whatever way. 

Mid-month, I really, really thought I was going to struggle hitting the $10k. I was really worried and more than a couple of times my mouse lingered over the goal button, wondering if I should adjust it. 

I am so frocking glad I didn't. I am so glad you came along for the ride.

There are SO many people I need to thank that helped me reach my goal. So many. 

For starters, my excellent, beautiful, generous friend Emilie, who has taken my photo most days - she has a wonderful eye, and I can't even begin to thank you! Thank you mostly for being exceptionally patient - particularly when I kept banging on about taking my photo. It's a task! 

I must also thank Matt and the Doctor and Tiny. Most people won't know but I put a lot into frocking up each day (and then social media-ing 'til all hours after work) - which means my mind is elsewhere. The house is a mess, I may have been a bit grumpy, and you've been exceptional. Thank you.

I won't go into all the thank yous today, because really. Let's talk about the outfit. Carmen Miranda. A true style icon. I kept waking up all night wondering if Carmen was enough. Well of course Carmen is and always will be enough, but was Lexi as Carmen enough (after Frida, what would satiate the frocking hungry?). Then I wondered if the vintage frock I had kept aside was enough.

I hope you think it's enough.

I've had fun as Carmen. She's a brilliant, strong, inspirational woman.

And to raise money to support brilliant, strong, inspirational women? I hope it goes some way in finding an early detection test for ovarian cancer. 

This is my third year of Frocktober, I wanted it to be bigger and better - and it frocking was. You  guys made it frocking frocktastic. 

Thank you. 

(this is a photo Emilie took of me working. So serious. Find Em on Instagram at @milietea - you should follow her. She's ace)

You can still sponsor me here. 

All funds raised goes to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Frocktober 2014:: Day 29 - Shine Bright Like a Diamond (Natashya Manfield)

Big news! Today I hit the $10k! OH EM GEEEEE!!! Thank you to all 164 of my motherfrocking brilliant sponsors. You guys are the frocking biz! 

So today, it feels fitting to go full tilt colour - with this Peggy dress from Natashya Manfield. How ridiculously beautiful is this?! Natashya is an incredibly amazing designer from Melbourne. Check her out. Now. 

If you haven't already donated, I'd be ever so stoked if you still threw a few dollars my way. 

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation receive no government funding and rely on the support of our community to assist in driving research forward.

Don't be shy! Any donation is awesome - and anything over $2 is tax deductible. 

Dress: Peggy dress from Natashya Manfield

Frocktober 2014:: Day 25 + 26 - Camping, Frocking, Cockatooing, Fundraising

Quick. Gather around. I've got something to tell you. 

There's only five more frocks to go. That means there's only five more days to donate to Frocktober. To work with me to hit ovarian cancer where it hurts. To help fund an early detection test. To find out what makes ovarian cancer tick. 

We need this test. 

I know I've told you this a million times before. But let's think about it in terms of real life people. 

One Australian woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer. 

That's HUGE. 

If we can find an early detection test, we can improve the survival of women with ovarian cancer. 

Over 50% of the community incorrectly think that a pap smear will diagnose ovarian cancer. Wrong. But don't stop having pap smears. 

The average age of women at diagnosis is 63 years. Think of all those beautiful, strong women we could help by donating a small amount.

******

Above is day 26 - a frock made from beautiful painterly Nani Iro fabric. 

Below is day 25 - since we were going camping/gramping (on Cockatoo Island), I decided not to pack the picnic rug but to wear it instead. 

Please sponsor me today. I've frocked my guts out this year (my third participating in Frocktober) and would dearly love to help the OCRF with much needed funding. 

Click here to sponsor me. All donations are tax deductible. Every little bit helps. 

Frocktober 2014:: Day 24 - Calling Iris Apfel

It was the day that had to come. It was the day I wore half my body weight in jewellery. It was the day I had to muster my inner stylista and become the one and only -- Iris Apfel.

Can you see the uncanny resemblance?

And yes, for most of the day - I was Iris. And then a board member saw me and I conveniently disappeared into the lift. Still in full Iris mode.

The likes, the comments, the shares - they're all great and important, because it is about awareness, but if you threw me $2 (which is tax deductible) you'd also be helping find an early detection test for ovarian cancer. 

I am grateful for each and every donation. Please, if you can, throw some coin to my fundraising and help us get closer 


Here's why your fundraising dollars are crucial to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation:

• Did you know ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cause of cancer death in Australian women?
• On average three Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day.
• The five year survival rate for Australian women with ovarian cancer is only about 40%.
• In comparison, the five year survival rate for breast cancer is about 88%

If you'd like to donate - please go here. 

Frocktober 2014:: Day 22 - Vintage, Zesty and Brief. Just the way you like it.

Today is day 22! Only nine days to go! Nine days until Frocktober is done and dusted for the year, and I will stop banging on about ovarian cancer. 

Or will I?

I know a full tilt month is pretty heavy handed. But heck, it's totally worth it. I get to raise money for a cause I am passionate about - and I get to spread awareness of this terrible, silent disease. It's pretty important. 

So what can you do right this minute? 

Share it on your own social media feeds. One Australian woman every 10 hours - that's a huge, staggering figure. 

You can donate. ANY size donation is amazing. And $2 from everyone that follows me on social would well and truly help me reach my target. 

I just really, really want you to help me reach my target. I work really bloody hard ALL MONTH to spread the word. And it's tax deductible. 

I'm passionate about this because it's important. Women are important. Gynaecological cancers are the pits. Any cancer is the pits. You know it. I know it. We all know it. So let's kick it. 

Donate now. Please!

Dress: Vintage Simona 

Frocktober 2014:: Day 18 - Sick Of Me

Sick of seeing my head? Yes. Me too.

This one is for you. 

Sponsor me here.

If I hit $6k by Monday - a big milestone frock for you. Iris Apfel. 

Go on. Dig deep. You know you want to. 

Frocktober 2014:: Day 5 - Vintage 60s Cotton Frock Love

Today I was tired. So Matt took over the Frocktober reins. For approximately 2.45 minutes. And then he changed. And I got frocked up. Still he does look quite dashing in a frock. No?

It was a banger of a hot day which meant many of my vintage frocks were unwearable because hot and rayon? Let's not even imagine it. 

This one was given to me by my sister. A vintage (early 60s?) cotton frock that I just love to love. And to ensure I love it even more, the previous owner has hand stitched some small sections where the fabric has had a hole. It is true love. 

Please sponsor me today! Together we can make a difference to women who are fighting ovarian cancer. Every single dollar goes to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation who are working hard on finding an early detection test. Currently there is none. 

Day 15:: Frocktober - Pinkalicious

 

Today is a great day!

Today is our wedding anniversary!

To celebrate this auspicious day, I've gone back to my roots. Vintage, pink, a little bit boho delicious. I do love this frock like crazy.

It's Laura Ingalls meets Barbara Cartland. 

Maybe you'd like to sponsor me? If so, head here! All money goes to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation to help kick cancer to the kerb.

Dress: Vintage  

Belt: No brainer! It's Mum's! 

Shoes: Country Road (again, they fit my big feet, what can I say)

Earrings: Vintage 

Day 11:: Frocktober - Frockabilly - I'm A MotherFrocker

To celebrate reaching $3,000 (and beyond!), I promised I'd go rockabilly. After watching many tutorials (hair, make-up, and clothes), here's where it's at. 

This is me, a real MotherFrocking Frockabilly. 

If this doesn't motivate you to donate, I don't know what will. All money goes to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. It effects you, me and everyone I know. We're all women!

PLEASE SPONSOR ME!

Dress: Custom made

Wedges: Country Road

Earrings: From Collette

Flower: Made once upon a time by the ever awesome Nan of Rummage fame

Day 30:: Frocktober - Sunshine

Today marks the second last day of Frocktober. It's been one heck of a month, and I don't even know if I will switch to jeans on the 1st of November. I am quite partial to a frock. Just in case you hadn't noticed. 

I must say a massive thank you to each of my sponsors. I really appreciate your support, encouraging words, and for helping fund much needed research into ovarian cancer.  You guys are ACE!

It's not too late to sponsor me! It's not! Even $5 will help. Every cent counts. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death of all gynaecological cancers; an insidious disease that often strikes without warning. 

Today's outfit:
- vintage dress a gift from my friend Candice
- Country Road cardi and sandals
- stack of Indian bangles from.. I can't remember where

Let's Talk About... Ovarian Cancer

Super cute frock from Shabby Apple

As you may have noticed, I've been participating in Frocktober for the second year - and documented my month here on my blog (and Instagram, and Facebook). It's a fun month, though - believe it or not - hard work maintaining momentum to continue frocking on. You might not believe me, but some mornings, those jeans call me. And if you're not sick of seeing me, I certainly am.

Trust me mother frockers. It is tough.

But there is a serious side to Frocktober. Despite the frippery and the frivolity, Frocktober is all about raising awareness and money for research into ovarian cancer. 

The figures are startlingly high - one Australian woman dies every 10 hours due to ovarian cancer. At present ovarian cancer is commonly diagnosed at advanced stage with only 20-30% of women surviving beyond five years, compared to more that 90% when the disease is detected and treated early. 

There is no screening test. 

A pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. 

From the OCRF website

Early stage ovarian cancer may not have obvious symptoms but the following may occur:

• Vague abdominal pain or pressure
• Feeling of abdominal fullness, gas, nausea, indigestion – different to your normal sensations
• Sudden abdominal swelling, weight gain or bloating
• Persistent changes in bowel or bladder patterns
• Low backache or cramps
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained weight loss

The majority of women who experience one or two of these early symptoms do not have cancer. However, it is important that you seek medical advice if the symptoms are unusual or persist. For further information, visit OCRF or call 1300 OVARIAN.

Day 25:: Frocktober - When Breathing Is Overrated. Send In The Acid Brights.

Listen up, gather in close, I have something to tell you. And no. I am not pregnant. This dress is a little too close for comfort to my rib cage. They're very intimate today, and breathing is restricted to shallow breaths. I feel a bit Jane Austen, except, not. 

This is one of my favourite vintage frocks, hand-made and impeccably finished. And the fabric is fabulous - that wild acid bright floral, coupled with a beautiful cotton. AYE AYE AYE!

Today's outfit:
- vintage frock
- Country Road sandals

I'd really, really love it if you could sponsor me! Take a look at me, I'm an everyday hero (did you get that reference Dad?). I'm raising money for research into ovarian cancer. 

Currently there is no screening test. A pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death of all gynaecological cancers; an insidious disease that often strikes without warning. At present ovarian cancer is commonly diagnosed at advanced stage with only 20-30% of women surviving beyond five years, compared to more that 90% when the disease is detected and treated early. We can help change this by funding more research! 

You can read more about Frocktober here. 

Day 23:: Frocktober - Laura Ingalls Called

And she wants to cast me as a lead in the movie of 'Little House on the Prairie'. I know, right?!

Today's outfit: 
- vintage frock 
- belt - yes yes
- Country Road boots
- can't remember where the tights are from, am pretty sure you don't care either

In case you've just tuned in, I'm doing Frocktober - wearing a different frock every day for the month of October. Why? (I hear you ask.) To raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer. With only 8 days to go - now's a great time to hop onboard and sponsor me to help fund research. 

Day 20:: Frocktober - Why Is A Zebra Called A Zebra?

With only 11 days to go, I knew I had to get down to business - particularly with dresses that I have been procrastinating on. Such as this one, made of: Lobal poly. Wow. I love lobal poly. Said no one. Ever. 

A hideous man-made fabric made back in the 70s I believe. With a fabulous non-breathing quality, I knew it was just perfect for a steamy Sydney day. Perfect to sweat my day away. Aye carumba.

Today's outfit:
- vintage stripey maxi-dress from eBay a loooong time ago
- flats - yep. You already know.
- necklace - a gift from a dear friend

Please consider sponsoring me here! I am hoping to reach $2500 to go towards funding research into ovarian cancer. $5 is all it takes. Plus anything you donate is tax deductible. It's a cinch!

Day 19:: Frocktober - Colour Play

Today is Friday. Fridays are almost always good. Yes? Yes they are. Because it leads us into the wide world of weekends. 

I won't keep you today - I'm here just to check in and prove I frocked up. You're here to check I frocked up. Now we can frocking well get out of here and on with our weekends. 

BTW - what are you up to this weekend?

Today's outfit:
- vintage dress from eBay about 212 years ago
- Country Road cardi and sandals
- silk scarf from Calico + Ivy

Sponsor me here. Please! Yes please! Help fund research into ovarian cancer screening. That would be very good. I'm trying to make it to $2.5k. Only 12 days to go. Can you help me reach this goal? 

And of course - a really MASSIVE thank you to everyone who has chosen to sponsor me for this cause. One Australian woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer. Wouldn't it be great to change those figures? 

Day 18:: Frocktober - I've Got Spots

And I'm not talking about that pimple on my cheek. I think I need a spray tan, and I need one fast. Look at me, Casper's older sister, BOO!

It's day 18 - only 13 to go (heck, I've got to come up with some new frocks to get me through the days).

Today's outfit:
- vintage dress from some French lady's wardrobe
- Country Road sandals

For more information on Frocktober go here. Sponsor me here. 

Day 17:: Frocktober - Puberty Blues Called. They Want Their Extras Back

Holy Toledo. Excuse the ugly tired head, but this is the best I could muster this morning. I had way too many Bloody Marys when Judy and Martin came over for some cabanossi, devil's on horseback, cheezels and the obligatory key party. 

Crikey! We've hit the $2k mark people! We're through! We're on the way to the next however much we can rally together. I've got 14 more days to make my mark - with you of course. 

If you're interested in sponsoring me for Frocktober, and donating money to fund research into ovarian cancer, head here. 

Today's outfit:
- vintage dress I found once upon a time at an oppie for 50cents
- Lee Mathews silk slip. Not 50cents
- Trenery heels
- bangle - a gift

Day 13:: Frocktober - Vintage Is Calling Me

The sun was shining. The birds were singing. This morning I rose early to go meet my sister and check out the markets together before she started work. 

Plus I went to look at the new range of Liberty Art Fabrics that have just landed in store at Calico + Ivy. Holy toledo - they are beautiful. Of course they are. They're Liberty. But the heavier weight means there's a whole new world opened up in crafty projects. (See my snap below of Kate's installation.) Ahoy!

Another day, another dress, hey?

Today's outfit:
- Country Road cardigan
- vintage dress that I've only ever managed to wear twice since owning it for about eight years (big fail on my part)
- belt, Mum's
- necklace - Alexandra Blak
- Donna Sgro tights
- Country Road flats (because CR are the only company that make shoes big enough for me - sad story)

If you're mighty interested in sponsoring me, I'd be mighty interested in having you as a sponsor. All money goes towards research for ovarian cancer screening. Currently there is none.

(Photo taken by my sister at Calico + Ivy, Balmain. If you've not been before (to Balmain or Perth), whether you're crafty or not, you should take a look, it's an enchanting store full of fabrics, yarns, giftware, amazing books and incredible hand made jewellery). 

Day 12:: Frocktober - Stop The Frock - I Want To Get Off

You know, it's snowing in Armidale and you can feel the chill in the air from here in Sydney. It's frizzling for shizzle. However cold it gets, I'm frocking up. But you and I both know, right at this moment I am yearning for a big woolly knit and some jeans. 

Oh baby it's cold outside, but in this blog, right here - we've got some movers and shakers who have sponsored me to the sweet tune of over $1600 - thank you so much! I really appreciate every dollar that's donated - and if you're thinking about it $5 is all it takes! You can sponsor me here.

So frocks it is!

Today's outfit:
- vintage Aquascutum trench from the oppie
- vintage dress was my Mum's - hi Mum! I love this dress
- Country Road rollneck. Because it's so freaking cold
- Costume National boots
- MimCo scarf
- Mum's belt. Again.

In Australian one woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer. The key to changing this statistic and giving women with ovarian cancer a better long-term outlook is early detection. Together we can kick ovarian cancer to the kerb. Check out Frocktober here. 

PS - Clearly I'm having a moment with gifs. I'm sorry but I'm not apologising for my gif love. 

Day 11:: Frocktober - Call The Frocking Doctor - I Want My Jeans

Oh man. It's cold and miserable in Sydney right now. And I am sick. Couple cold and miserable (x2) with sick = I want my jeans. Or pyjama pants. And bed. 

But I can't just do that. I'm committed to Frocktober and I want to raise as much money as I can to help fund research into ovarian cancer. So sunray pleats it is. And it paid off. A stranger called out to me today and told me I looked lovely. I was a bit dumbfounded. I'm sick. I'm cold. And I want my mum jeans. (Although Mum I'd love to see you too, goes without saying.)

Tiny opted for broiderie anglaise and some gumboots. A classic combo in anyone's books, I'm sure. 

Today's outfit:
- vintage dress
- Country Road cardi
- *that* belt (Moges, you see that?)
- Country Road shoes
- MimCo sunglasses
- Elk necklace

There's still time to sponsor me! We're fundraising baby! To date 258 fundraisers have raised $83,334.87. Frock on ladies!