Prepare for Australia Day

BBQs, sitting by the pool and seeing red/white/blue, wherever you go. We’re all looking forward to Australia Day. In this post, I’ll tell you about the day (for my foreign readers), as well as a (non-tacky-supre-novelty-bikini) outfit for the day, and preparation for the day, 2 weeks in advance!

"Celebrated annually on 26 January, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 ... With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation ... as the biggest annual civic event in Australia."

(Thanks, Wikipedia)

So, how to prepare? I’ll give you a fortnight breakdown

1 Fortnight Before

-          Start today! Find out what you’ll be doing. Whether it’s a BBQ with your friends and/or family, or you’re going out that night – know what you’re doing.

-          Also, start watching your diet (especially if you’re going to a pool party). This doesn't mean “stop eating”, it means up your water intake and look for healthier meal options (such as soup or salads) until the day.

1 Week Before

-          Have you’re outfit prepared. Make sure pieces are in good condition (don't need repairs etc). Hang it up in your closet so that you don’t forget. Decide on shoes and make up after you figure out your outfit. I've prepared a sample outfit.

Blue Dress - Orla Kiely / Red Dress - People Tree / Red Swimsuit - Esther Williams Swimwear / Flats - Simply Soles / Bag - Marc Jacobs / Sunglasses - Romwe / Pearl Earrings - John Lewis

Step away from the novelty Australia day gear. You’ll never wear it again. It’s a waste of money that I could rant about for days. I’d say for non-swimwear your best bet is a short sleeved shirt dress. Protect your shoulders from the UVs, stay cool and look cute all at the same time. Celebrate the day by using blue, red and white. I would stay away from using white on main pieces, but if you want a little, opt for polka-dots. Incorporate white through a comfortable pair of flats and a slouchy bag that you can fit all of your things into. Simple earrings and sunglasses are all you need to accessorize with today.

-          If you didn't get a tan this summer (and you want one) spray tan today. I don’t condone sun tanning or solariums  but if you’re thinking about it – you’re too late. You’ll run the risk of looking red on the day.

-          Figure out your hairstyle. As it’s a hot summer, you probably want to wear your hair up. Pictured, Taylor Swift dons a chic neat up-do with natural makeup (minus eyes, I think).

A Few Days Before

-          Figure out what transportation you’ll be taking. If you’re drinking (as most adults do on this day), set aside money for a taxi or organize a designated driver.

-          Have a beauty day or night if you can. Take time out to exfoliate your skin, and maybe a facial. Use products that you have tried before so that you don’t have an unexpected bad reaction.

-          If you’re not wearing swimwear, iron your clothes today to make sure they’re lovely looking for tomorrow.

1 Day Before

-          Pack your bag for tomorrow. This could mean a few of the following:

- beauty essentials (lip balm, pressed powder, perfume/deodorant)

- sun cream, the most important thing to take if you’re attending a daytime event

- cash, keys, ID

- digital camera, preferably water-proof

-          Take a calming bath with candles and make sure to shave if you haven’t already waxed. Don’t wax tonight if you haven’t already.

-          Go to sleep before 11pm to ensure a good night’s sleep and no panda eyes.

Australia Day has arrived!

-          Have a light breakfast such as an egg-white omelette

-          Make sure all plans are secure if it rains (crossed fingers it doesn't)

-          Have fun! You’ll have a great day

Well, this was the first schedule I've ever written for Contemporary Classic. I hope you enjoyed it. My next post is a style profile of Katherine Hepburn, so hopefully you’ll come back for that. Do you have any plans for Australia?

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.