Tag Archives: millinery

Sore thumbed Olympian …

Posted on September 8, 2016 | 1 comment

I can see the Empire State Building from my Manhattan apartment window – did you know they change the colour of the tower lights every night? Tonight it’s orange and blue. I have to pinch myself that I’m here.

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It’s been a massive run to my third NYFW show and thanks to my friends and some amazing sponsors, and the creative headspace from working for myself (yes … I’ve finished with the Ag Dept.), I am well and truly here, all glue guns blazing, with my Spring Summer 2017 collection of millinery creations, and I’m ready to show to over 300 VIP’s and the fashion world, in but a few short days. To say I’m a tad nervous is absolutely nowhere close to the mark!

The lead up to this years event has been busy. As milliner on the Move I had brilliant trips to Anna Plains Station in the Kimberley and to Yarrie Station and the races of Marble Bar in the Pilbara region. Both of these adventures, however, command their own individual blog space, so you’ll have to stay tuned for these yarns on my return from the shiny red.

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The Broome races too, were a feather above the rest this year with Broome Cup being the most colourful of all Broome trackside events I’ve seen yet. Never have I created so many hats and headpieces in one year and although my fingers are still recovering, I’m already excited to do it again.

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And now I am here, in New York City on the eve of Fashion Week with my Hats by Felicity showing this Sunday, September 11, at 5pm. I keep doing double takes as I see my name and imagine this is how the Olympians must feel – with AUSTRALIA in capitals beneath … i’m sure Olympians have more than sore fingers and thumb, though … and they probably use the stairs, not the lift.

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My runway event will be live streamed through the Hats by Felicity Face book page. I’m showing with Fashion Gallery at the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Affinia Hotel 5pm NYC time and believe me, not only are those chandeliers going to shine .. my models are wearing a custom made Bondi Bather special that compliments my collection to perfection and I can’t wait to show you all.

And wait till you see the feathers … my feather collectors have been amazing again this year with feathers coming from all parts of Australia. Without these stunning plumes and while Im at it, without my feather sorter (thanks Ella) I wouldn’t be showcasing half the collection I am about to, so when these hand collected feather creations float upon the runway please feel as proud as I am because without you, they simply wouldn’t exist.

I know I’ve said it twice before, but when this collection presents on the NYFW runway, it’s not just me showcasing, it’s a whole swag of us who are part of the hat and yarn …

I met the models who are going to parade my work yesterday, some of which are return girls from last year. They are a really lovely bunch who looked a tad unsure when I explained the dictionary meaning for Felicity is ‘happiness’ and bliss, and if they feel happy when they are wearing my creations on the runway, then by all means feel free to smile ..

Tonight I have my own big smile with my whole collection around me, I’ve been trying pieces on and assigning them to the models, preening feathers and feeling proud, with the Empire State building shining above me. I can’t wait to show you.

And what do I want to achieve from this NYFW event? Apart from raising awareness of millinery as a wearable art, through my collection entitled “Australia in Bloom” I want to proudly highlight our stunning and truly beautiful rural, regional and remote Australia; and above all, as a small business and passionate milliner, I want to secure a millinery contract in the industry of film – then we can aim for the Oscars after this!

A special shout of thanks to those who have dressed me for the runway, provided me with luscious lashes and fabulous skin, amazing hair and sensational sunglasses; who created spectacular outfits for the models, put together heart pumping music for the runway; for the pearls that are about to walk the runway, who designed my menu of creations for “Australia in Bloom” and millinery materials of stunning best; those who’ve fed me when I was in lock-down creating this collection, who’ve sponsored my name to the wallpaper for the red carpet, models for the runway; for your talented photography (Kathryn Sprigg) and who’ve worked tirelessly by my side making all this happen (thank you Kim St John). You are all tagged with love and thanks. And to my family and my friends, who continue rock my world and make this millinery dream happen … Thank you.

See you on Sunday – I’ll wave from the runway (if i’m conscious).

x flic

PS A heartfelt thanks for this surprise GoFundme site… #fundedbyfriends

https://www.gofundme.com/2mwke97f

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Posted in General, On the move to NYFW September 2016

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Blooming oath I can

Posted on March 17, 2016 | 6 comments

It’s been hot in the Kimberley. We’ve had a dry Wet season and the humidity and heat has been taking its toll. Amazingly though, as we mere humans melt in the heat, our desert plants have been blooming. My own desert roses have the fullest clusters of flowers that I can remember.
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The Australian outback, our rainforests, coasts, cities and towns are a constant spectacular of floral bloom and I couldn’t be more excited to showcase our colourful land through my upcoming third annual Hats by Felicity show at New York Fashion Week.

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I am completely pinching myself with the third invitation, after my runway debut at NYFW as the first Australian Milliner, showing with Fashion Gallery in 2014. I feel much smarter and more confident this third time round and although we all know the stress will rise as I near September’s show, the levels will be far less than the past two years. I may even get to enjoy my runway bow?!

To kick off the inspiration for creation I ran my Hats by Felicity competition – searching for muse to showcase Australia in bloom. The response was stunning with photo entries flowing in from around the country featuring our flowering plants that stop us in awe. The winning inspiration was from Andrea in Floreat, WA; Western Australia’s Eucalyptus Macrocarpa.

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All this encouragement has flung me well into design mode for the 2016 collections and bespoke commissions. My millinery materials have arrived and my community of feather collectors are delivering the most stunning of plumes.

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Adding to this year’s excitement is an independent invitation to showcase in West Palm Beach Florida, USA. I am thrilled that America has embraced me, and is providing me the opportunity to showcase my millinery passion and art and also to show off my magnificent Australian homeland.

The ride is never without the hiccups though, and my latest was another skin cancer surgery, a small lump from my chest. Not a melanoma this time so no complaints from me and the stitches are out and result is benign. The small scar is simply my visible reminder to continue to be positive and have a go at all goals.

Our Aussie flowers may be outrageously beautiful but the sun ‘down under’ can be downright mean. For most of us adults the skin damage is already done, therefore we need to focus on early detection and book regular skin checks and protect our largest organ, our skin. As old as the message is, we all need to remind our family and friends to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.

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I love to raise awareness of millinery and outback Australia but I also feel the need to raise awareness of our harmful rays and the greatness of early detection in the fight against skin cancer. Hats, health and happiness are my parting words for today. Along with a huge thank you to my friends as I near my third New York Fashion Week. Thank you to my feather collectors and inspiration gatherers – this upcoming collection will be the work of us all.

It’s time for me to get lost in my studio shed and start creating. Chat again in a month or two and in the meantime, here’s a snippet of my past two years on the runway of NYFW.

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2014)

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2015)

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2015)

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2025)

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Hats by Felicity NYFW (2015)

Can I do this a third time? … blooming oath I can!

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Posted in General, On the move to NYFW September 2016

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Third time is a charm

Posted on January 9, 2016 | 5 comments

“A penny for your thoughts” I said to my friends, when the inner turmoil grew.
The invitation to return to New York Fashion Week for the third year in a row was almost too much. What an honour! What a road, what an incredible opportunity – what an expense!
I often wonder if anyone else has the inner battles between their adventurous and sensible self’s. The invitation brought an instant smile from ear to ear.  I was designing catwalk creations, planning the collection, the feathers, the styles, the models outfits, the trip … and then Miss sensible entered the room, crossed her arms and reminded me of the mortgage.
Broome to the Big Apple is no small feat but what important things in life aren’t big? It’s the challenge that brings the reward and we all know I live the cliché’ that life is too short, but there’s still that one little Mr Men book that re-appears from the shelf …

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In an attempt to put both egos to good use , I packed my car with a whiteboard, calculator, pens, paper and planner and headed on a solo adventure south of Broome; to one of my special places, with magical memories and ocean calm.

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A few days prior I emailed some friends who would tell me if I was mad to consider the NYFW contract again or alternatively, mad not to. If anyone is going to be honest, it’s our good friends. And if there’s one place to find clarity it’s on a remote beach. As the sun set over the ocean on full tide I crunched numbers, scribbled pros and cons and sifted through the suggestions, ideas and cautions that had been on my mind and had come from my friends.
The decision is the right one – two just wasn’t enough. I’ve signed the contract and I’m going back to New York. I’ve just got to go for the luck of the third adventure.

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And again, if you are interested, I’d love you to be involved. As well as crunching numbers that special place had me designing creations and for this year’s runway show I want to honour Australia’s stunning flora and fauna, be it from the desert, the mountains or the sea. If you come across any flowers and plants that make you stop in awe, please take a pic for me. I want to create a collection inspired by our beautiful flowers and plants and showcase our striking frontier land.

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This pictorial bloom of inspiration will collate in an album on the Hats by Felicity Facebook page and there’ll be prizes for the pic of pics, to add to the fun.
2016 is going to be another big year for us all. Everyone has challenges and decisions to make. Some of us will achieve the goals and some will be led to another path. Whatever the journey is for you, I wish you great health, happiness and safety, and inspiration for the road.
And to my buddies, thank you.
This is our now, and third time’s a charm.
xf

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Posted in General, On the move to NYFW September 2016

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Sydney for Sunrise

Posted on November 19, 2015 | 3 comments

Since my return from the U.S. and New York Fashion Week, my hands have enjoyed some well-earned millinery rest.

Apart from the last few bespoke orders for Melbourne’s Spring Carnival, it’s been needle and thread down and time to reflect and plan. I utilise this quieter part of year to take some time out from creating and instead work on my Hats by Felicity business, and I was doing exactly that when the invitation to appear on the Network Seven Sunrise Program appeared.

With a fear of public speaking, it was instant turmoil for me. I knew what an amazing opportunity this was but I also knew this meant facing my fear in front of a nation! I know I’ve just showcased on the runway of NYFW but believe me, appearing live on morning television in front of your home land is completely different. Within 24 hours and with little time to think or dwell, I was at the Broome airport departures lounge anxiously watching my collection of headwear load into the under carry of the plane.

A fish out of water is what I felt like when I hit the big Sydney smoke. The last thing I’d prepared for was arriving into rain and a chilly wind. My poor cardi excuse for warmth was just not going to cut it.

It was late when I slumped into bed. The three hour time difference made it 11pm and I had to be up at 5am, which was 2am in Broome, so of course I didn’t sleep a wink. Instead I watched the sun rise over Sydney before nervously heading to Network Seven studios in the rain.

Thank goodness for smart phones, I may have arrived at the wrong reception but in the right building at least and as I awkwardly juggled the box of hats around the street corner, I found myself at the windows where we see Sunrise viewers waving into the show. Part of me wanted to hold the box of hats high with a big smile but I decided it was best to take my wet hair and baggy eyes straight past the cameras and inside.

I wondered how on earth I ended up here as I walked past corridors of familiar celebrity faces framed on the walls. On about my 15th nervous trip to the bathroom I ran into newsreader Nat Barr, and shrieked “hi” like an excited mad woman before realising Nat would not have a clue who I was. We proceeded to yarn as we held open the bathroom door before I thought – heck, I should just let her go to the loo. After all, she probably only had a three minute break and I had taken up two!

The models they’d arranged for me were a dream – five lovely young women who were both professional and fun and as each of them returned from hair and makeup with piece positioned and big smile I was excited and extremely proud. When they said they felt so happy in the hats I took the moment to explain the dictionary meaning of Felicity and hence ethos of my business, being “happiness” and “bliss”. I welcomed them to smile if they felt happy as they showcased Hats by Felicity and their reactions to this suggestion grew the smile upon me.

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When I entered the studio the girls were standing in line with the camera panning a sneak preview for our segment coming up. I was petrified.
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With rescue remedy under and over my tongue and throughout my mouth (instructions were too small to read) I took my place where the girls had been, as they were led off stage ready to present. Seeing my toilet mate Nat was comforting and Sam Armytage too was a delight. I tried desperately not to notice the cameras knowing only too well it was all about to happen as the stage manager pronounced three … two … one!

With the focus on the hats and not a clue there was a camera on me I survived my Sunrise appearance and the reaction from the studio floor was great. I had little idea what I’d said or done or what the wider community had just seen but the models wore my hats and their smiles to perfection so I knew it was all going to be OK.

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It was such a privilege to introduce viewers to the individual stories of each creation among which was CondoBelle.

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CondoBelle represents friendship, bubbles and fun. I created CondoBelle to honour my very precious friends, who over the past two years travelled to the U.S. to be with me at the NYFW events; amazing women who helped make each event happen and were right there by my side.

By way of thanks and with the greatest joy, I have gifted CondoBelle to these particular friends, as our headpiece creation to share, that will enjoy a life on the road travelling to the many racetracks around Oz, perhaps even beyond …

Keep your eyes out for CondoBelle over the coming years, and if you spot her out and about, say hello to the very precious friend of mine, upon whom she will adorn.

In the meantime, through the below link, I’d love to introduce you to all my creations that travelled to the big smoke to appear on the big screen. Perhaps as you spot CondoBelle send a little cheers to all the wonderful friends in all of our lives. Xf

https://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/watch/29968779/turning-heads-at-the-melbourne-cup/#page1

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Madhattan

Posted on July 19, 2015 | Leave a comment

I’ve been somewhere I’ve never been before and that’s in front of a movie camera! Yes, there’s a documentary in the making and I’m in it. In fact, it’s about me, although it really feels like it’s about someone else. IMG_0320 I feel honoured for the opportunity; however, with my fear of public speaking, being in front of a camera hasn’t come naturally. The producer tells me I’ve become much more relaxed but she’s also a very kind person. So, what’s this all about? Well in a nutshell and soon to be released trailer, the story is about my creative journey to my first solo Hats by Felicity show at New York Fashion week but more so the story is about innovation, community and following your dreams; all things you know I am passionate about. Stage one of filming is complete (phew) and from that footage you will soon see a snippet, so stay tuned.

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With producer and super camera woman Caro and sound editor Craig

Apart from camera’s rolling, the Milliner has been on the move again, this time to Liveringa cattle station in the West Kimberley, for a fabulous evening at the historic old Liveringa homestead. IMG_8192 Ladies from nearby stations and from Derby and Broome frocked up for a night of hats and giggles on the homestead veranda from sunset. IMG_0206 IMG_0215 IMG_8171 I love these events. It’s from such remote locations that some women try a headpiece for the very first time, which is often when the addiction begins. IMG_8168 I love it when that one person gets the crowd moving and tries the first hat. The oooh’s and ahhh’s make my day. Usually I have only seen my creations on a foam head or on my own head, so I encourage people to try them on for my enjoyment just as much as their own and those who’ve gathered around. I love seeing how differently people position a piece on their head. I always say with my creations, “there are no rules”. I also love watching how a hat or headpiece can change a woman’s demeanour, her stance, how she holds herself, looks at her self – a hat can instantly create a confidence and release a personality. This goes for men wearing hats too. A man’s presence can strengthen; his shoulders move back and confidence grow when he puts on his hat. A hat can command instant respect and for some, their identity is their hat. 478571-ian-amp-034-molly-amp-034-meldrum article-2611723-1D48D2DE00000578-5_634x609

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Local Broome identity and friend Baamba

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My DAFWA work colleagues with their new Sunbody cowboy hats

Wearing hats, coming together for events, catching up with friends and meeting new people are all so important when you live remotely. The Milliner on the move adventures are always such a joy because we get to indulge all of the above and more. IMG_8341 IMG_0297 IMG_0277 IMG_0304 IMG_0319 IMG_0309 It’s our Ladies Day and Cup day in August and the commissions for bespoke creations have been plenty. Prior to these prestigious events though, it’s my 2015 collection unveil at the Broome Turf Club and Corporate cup race day Friday 24th July. I am in the final stages of preparation for this collection and event. And believe me; I get as nervous on my local stage as the big one in NYC! Speaking of which, the countdown is now less than two month’s till the Hats by Felicity NYFW show! I better get back into that shed! IMG_0227 Have a wonderful day and a belly laugh with a friend. Xf quotes-1461

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Posted in General, On the move to NYFW in September 2015

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Honouring the man beneath the hat

Posted on December 18, 2014 | 2 comments

What a year! 2014 certainly threw a brilliant mix of opportunity, challenge, friendships and fun.
I’m still pinching myself that I showcased at New York Fashion Week and pinching the pinch that I have been invited back in 2015, for my own solo NYFW show.
This year really was a milestone for my millinery career and one that was made all the more possible by the support and encouragement of family, friends and the local and extended community. The money that was raised to help me achieve the NYFW dream was overwhelming and not a moment goes by that I don’t feel honoured and humbled and all the more amped to make everyone proud.
So the year planner for 2015 is out and the long weekends and dates and places of significance, including the Big Apple, have been marked. It’s always such a fun time blocking dates for plans to be further made. The colour scheme for this year’s diaries and organisers is beautiful hues of blue.
With the millinery commitments done and dusted for the moment, my time is committed to working on the business, more so than working within. There are proposals to write, a website to launch and collections to design. I’m excited to embark on some more industry training in the early New Year and the shed atelier studio is having a well-deserved spring clean. It feels good and I am inspired and ready to embark on 2015.
And reflecting back, wow, what a magnificent ride. The time management skills were tested, working full time for the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, by day and Hats by Felicity by weekend and night. My accommodation business also enjoyed another busy year of bookings. It was exciting and challenging to create three separate millinery collections that showcased across the globe, as well as a healthy number of commissioned custom-made pieces that appeared from Melbourne to Marble Bar, Kununurra, Darwin and Broome. And proudly, we had winners and finalist entrants in Broome and Melbourne racing events for Fashions on the Field.
It was a cracker of a year, even though at times we all wondered if the fuse was going to fiz or blow!
Like for most, though, the year also had its lows and losing another mate will always be the lowest of low.  We never seem to be spared the reminder or the grief.  And the only message I personally can ever take home, is to live life to the full; to talk about your dreams, turn them into goals and to have a go.  A great man, mentor and father figure told me many a time to simply ‘have a go’.  He too has passed now.  I often wonder if I would have ever made it to the runway without those words so often drummed into my later life.

Our friend Juddy’s accident happened the week I headed to NYC and although I missed the chance to celebrate his life with our friends, I did get to share a very special moment for him in New York.
I’m a Luke Bryan fan and went to his concert at Maddison Square Gardens. During the concert, Luke sang a favourite song that he wrote for this brother and sister, who had both passed away. Towards the end of this song he stopped and said to the sold out crowd of 18,200 fans, that he was going to sing the song again. We were thrilled. He told each of us to take a moment and think about that special person we’d lost and as we focussed, he sang the song again, this time for them. This was my very special moment and memory for Juddy.

Juddy always wore a hat. Even on the stage as a nominee for best dressed male at an evening cocktail event, he wore his hat. He was married wearing his hat.  His wife Mel says “his hat was such a part of him, it went absolutely everywhere and he protected those he loved with it”.

My millinery passion and travels have always honoured the cowboy hat and in signing off this post and this year, I honour the man beneath the hat, our mate Juddy.  I also introduce you to a song, and I wish you the very best for Christmas and a happy and safe new year.

Thank you for your incredible encouragement and chat again in 2015.

Sprinkle kindness and be happy.  X f

 

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There’s a spring carnival in our step

Posted on November 1, 2013 | Leave a comment

It’s time this milliner got on the move again so we are packing up and heading south from Broome to Melbourne for Spring Carnival.
The Hats by Felicity collection has arrived ahead and is proudly displayed for sale at Valentino Decor in Toorak Village, Toorak.

Hats by Felicity at Valentino Decor

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Pop in and see the gorgeous Barb. Here’s a snippet of what Hats by Felicity creations are on display.

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While you are in Toorak Village check out My Powder Room next door to Valentino Decor. Adrian has produced for me and is showcasing a Hats by Felicity book of the 2013 collection. By all reports this book is super-stunning and I am so rediculously excited to see it. Valentino Decor and My Powder Room have been amazing supporters of Hats by Felicity and I can’t thank them enough.

I will be traveling with a few new creations to add to the collection so be sure to let me know if you are interested in these little treasures.

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It will be 40 degrees when I depart Broome and 16 degrees when I arrive in Melbourne. I have absolutely no idea what I will be wearing to the races.  It’s hard enough to get my head around a minimum temperature that my air conditioner doesn’t set as low as. I will be trackside at Flemington though,  at Oaks Day in particular, so be sure to holler over the crowds if you are there too.

I’ll be using the social media bush telegraph to update you on the bubbles and fun in the car park by the rails.

Please Facebook, tweet, email and text me pics if you are out and about in your Hats by Felicity during the Spring Carnival, whether you are celebrating in Melbourne, Mudgee, Broome or beyond. This year’s out and about album is shaping up to be a beauty.

It’s been an absolute pleasure to create your pieces again and I am already so proud just knowing you are out there wearing a little creation from the Kimberley.

Giddy up, good luck in the sweeps and keep smiling those rays of sunshine for perfect trackside weather.

x f

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Posted in General, On the move - Melbourne Spring Carnival 2013

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Hold on to your Big Apple hats …

Posted on August 29, 2013 | 3 comments

With only two more sleeps before the Big Apple adventure there is so much to do, bags to pack (with what I have no idea), lists to tick (that simply aren’t getting ticked) and Kimberley gifts to wrap (the most pleasurable task of all).

So, with all this brimming pressure it goes without saying that the most sensible thing to do this afternoon was to get a pedicure, Big apple red, none the less.
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Now I’m ready to pack.

It’s hard to believe the U.S. adventure is almost here.  The Hats by Felicity year has been so incredibly busy with our fashion shoot, parade at the races, creating  headwear and stamina for 11 Broome race meetings, including Broome Ladies Day and Cup Day and now it seems, we’re off to New York!

It’s been many years since this milliner has been on the overseas move and to say the excitement is bursting the champagne glass would be an understatement.  September is Fashion Week in NYC so I figure why not don your best hat and stalk the show.

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It won’t be all about New York, however.  Celebrity guest appearances will also be made in San Francisco, Nashville and Texas, so when I say hold on to your hats I really mean it’s going to be all about the hats.  Big hats!

For now, though, it’s all about the packing and getting this Milliner on the move.

I’m clicking my Dorothy heels and Big Apple red toes and all going accordingly, will be landing in San Francisco oh so very soon.

Welcome to the show!

Cheers, x F

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Posted in General, On the move to USA - September 2013

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