What I Wore: WaterAid Gold Ball
August 03, 2015
My workplace is involved with WaterAid as part of our corporate social responsibility program.
WaterAid is an international charity that works on improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in developing countries. Because I've worked in the water team of my organisation most of the time I've been there (and still would be if I had the choice) I've had a bit to do with them over the years, including participating in various fundraisers and serving on the South Australian fundraising committee as secretary for a few years.
WaterAid is an international charity that works on improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in developing countries. Because I've worked in the water team of my organisation most of the time I've been there (and still would be if I had the choice) I've had a bit to do with them over the years, including participating in various fundraisers and serving on the South Australian fundraising committee as secretary for a few years.
I'd managed to attend seven consecutive Gala Balls here in Adelaide and got the call up this year to go again. Of course, with No-Buy July happening, I couldn't buy anything too far in advance but happily it was held on August 1!
I have a lot of trouble with evening wear, given the general strapless / backless / sleeveless / spaghetti strap nature of it. I have a huge aversion to visible bra and can't do without some generous scaffolding. I gambled on this sleeveless French Connection hi-lo dress at the Salvos for $6.95 and jazzed it up with a natty beaded belt from TEMT for $12. There are four things I especially enjoy about this dress:
- The price
- It's sleeveless, has a keyhole back detail and still doesn't show bra
- It's so simple and classic, I can dress it up or down as the mood takes me.
- It's a size 8! Lols.
I teamed it with some black tights because winter legs and Antartic Vortex, plus my $2 vintage Footrest leather heels from the Two Wells op shop. Took this black Glomesh evening bag ($4.50) out for its first spin and was super happy with it - plenty of room for all the essentials unlike most of my evening bags and looked the business!
In the past, I've had my hair and makeup professionally done but I worked my own weave and beat my own face this year. As the theme was "gold", I was stoked to finally have a chance to use my Australis Metallix metallic eyeshadow in Pearl Jammin' which is a rad glittery gold.
I kept the rest pretty neutral with Rimmel lipstick in 07 and a base of Maybelline Dream Wonder foundation and Clinique powder to set. I also used my Napoleon Perdis contour, blush and highlight palette enthusiastically, if not expertly and was pleased with the result. I had planned an attempt at a winged eye but time was ticking away and I couldn't risk it. I used Essence Lash Princess mascara which is brilliant value for bold inky black lash action!
In the past, I've had my hair and makeup professionally done but I worked my own weave and beat my own face this year. As the theme was "gold", I was stoked to finally have a chance to use my Australis Metallix metallic eyeshadow in Pearl Jammin' which is a rad glittery gold.
I kept the rest pretty neutral with Rimmel lipstick in 07 and a base of Maybelline Dream Wonder foundation and Clinique powder to set. I also used my Napoleon Perdis contour, blush and highlight palette enthusiastically, if not expertly and was pleased with the result. I had planned an attempt at a winged eye but time was ticking away and I couldn't risk it. I used Essence Lash Princess mascara which is brilliant value for bold inky black lash action!
I hadn't been to the new bit of the Adelaide Convention Centre yet, so that was a treat. The room was done beautifully and the evening in general was most elegant.
Which brings me to a point . . . the invitation stated dress code: black tie / gold, gold and more gold. Now, I'm not out to outfit shame anyone and while some might point out my dress was above the knee at the front and possibly not traditionally compliant with the general rules of black tie, I'm pretty sure the woman in the gold sequinned micro mini and black bustier was fully non-compliant. I find it so disappointing when people blatantly ignore dress codes. They are there for a reason and should be respected.
Have you got any black tie events on the horizon?
0 comments