At a time when hate is dominating the headlines, November has already brought me multiple occasions to celebrate life and love. And frockery.

Jen's wedding

The first event was that of Jen (aka @lady_lambkin), who had a private ceremony with family, followed by a reception with friends the next evening at the vintage chic La Boheme. Dress code: cocktail.

I wore a taupe dress with a label that says "Renuar" (can't find any relevant matches) with sequinned bird detail on the shoulder and cross-over back (brand-new with tags from Savers for $14.99) with the vintage Glomesh purse I picked up from the Balaklava Swap Shop for $4.50 and a pair of $2 black leather heels from the Two Wells op shop as detailed here. 

The bride  wore a vintage beaded tea length dress that had been beautifully tailored from long sleeves and the groom wore a dashing blue slim-fit suit.





The venue abounded in vintage decor, including comfy club chairs and a deliciously refreshing cocktail featuring mint and pear vodka was a hit. 

Bec's wedding

The next weekend, we were down at the Woodside Activity Centre, for an afternoon ceremony followed by a picnic and then the reception. 

The dress code was given as "anything from boardshorts to ballgowns". I am not one to miss an excuse to get frocked so I wore my Hearts and Roses floral dress (my bridesmaid dress from Stacie's wedding last year) sans boofy pettiskirt, the new Nine West flats as the ground at the venue had rocky, gravelly, unstable bits and a velvet box bag and faux fur wrap from Savers.

And look, I really do have a husband!





The bride wore a gorgeous gown with lace capped sleeves, bronze sash, tulle for days and a bustle. The groom was in navy with a copper tie although not for long ;) 





Although they had two very different designs, both brides were anti-boof when it came to their big day so Jen hacked her pettiskirt out with scissors and Bec told the dressmaker, "less boof!!"

It came in chilly in the evening, so I was very glad I had thought like a mum and figured since we were taking the car, I could load up with not only the wrap but a black cardi, my big winter coat and a pair of black leggings "just in case", all of which were used and I felt very pleased with myself as a result. 

Bec's wedding also featured a "cheese cake"; a cake designed from wheels of cheese that was ceremoniously cut after the ceremony then cut up and distributed along with picnic baskets of crackers, paste, nuts and fruit to guests who were invited to go and picnic in the grounds during the photos. Can I just say, BRILLIANT IDEA. At the reception, the tables were covered in brown paper and textas were provided for drawing, plus decks of cards, games and giant Jenga were available for guests to play. 

Aunty Coral's Funeral

This post could have been called "Two Weddings And A Funeral", as I attended the funeral of my great aunt in between the two weddings. No outfit shots here (because taste) but my cousin Jess did mention after the service that she had thought of calling me that morning to ask what to wear. For those of us who haven't had to attend many funerals (touch wood), it is a bit of an unknown. The tradition of head-to-toe black has passed, although most attendees still choose a black or dark base accented with colour or pattern, keeping it neat and conservative. Her life was celebrated with love and although the circumstances weren't ideal, it was great to catch up with relatives from near and far on the day.

Whatever the event: abide by the dress code, check with the hosts if unsure and when in doubt, err on the side of overdressing. 

Oh, and choose love.