I had a rather splendiferous day earlier this week, even though it began with an expedition I felt rather trepidatious about. (Yes, yes, I know that trepidatious is not a word… please be so kind as to grant me creative license.)
Was I going to a job interview? A first date? Another round of toe surgery?
No. I was going to see Tomorrow When The War Began, and the part of me that loved and read the series multiple times as a tween was dreading seeing it brought to life by soap-stars from Home and Away and Neighbours.
My ultimate reaction to the film was, perhaps, informed by the terribly low expectations I had going into it, and by the fact that Tomorrow When The War Began was the first movie I’d seen at the cinema in over six months. You see, I really enjoyed it. Dare I say that I even had to quell some Aussie pride whilst watching it? We do have some beautiful countryside here in Australia, even if we don’t know how to stock our grocery stores properly with granola.
And we have cockatoos! Cockie cockie!
Seeing the movie comprised the first half of the day, and was done in the company of my wonderful fellow-musical-loving friend Amy. After that, I headed out with another two friends to a rather spectacular second-hand and vintage clothing shop. My friends and family know that I’m not very good at clothes shopping, and tend to get bored rather quickly (I can, on the other hand, happily spend over an hour at the grocery stores I’ve been shopping at twice a week for the past six months).
Well, readers, on this day I discovered a) that clothes shopping can be fun, and b) what it’s like to be a Barbie doll. For although I myself chose the first dresses I tried on, after that my two friends did all the work, rummaging through the racks for clothes they thought might suit me. Parading around in the dresses and skirts they chose was a small price to pay for having people with better fashion judgment pick out a wardrobe for me.
Thanks guys! You are the shizzle, or whatever it is youngsters say these days.
And we have dairy-free jelly-fruit-custard-amaretti individual trifles in Australia, too.
The whole experience was rather fun, and I’m trying hard not to feel guilty about spending $175 in one fell swoop. After all, I got five dresses and skirt for that amount, which I figure is pretty good.
Anyway, when I was in the change-room, I had the idea of taking (and posting) photos of the more hilarious dresses I tried on, complete with captions. I was getting quite into this notion when my friend heard me taking photos and, well, yelled at me. So I meekly put my camera away. But hah! I got a few snaps in first, so if you’ll allow me…
I’d like to make a fool of myself.
When the mooooooooon is in the seventh house
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planet
And love will steer the stars…
I am no longer Hannah of Wayfaring Chocolate in this dress. I am, instead, Harmony Sweet-Feather, a young lass who enjoys swaying to the music in my head whilst standing in a meadow of dandelions and sprouting quinoa in my bra.
P.S. Don’t ask me what my face is doing in this photo. I think I might actually have been singing the above song from Hair when I took the photo.
Hi, my name is Hannah, and I’ll be your Dental Assistant today. Open wide!
(My alternate caption for this was… “Wanted For Indecent Exposure: Early-Twenties PhD Student Wearing Easy-Open Silver Jacket”, but then I decided that was one too many risqué jokes for this post.)
Look, Ma! A muu-muu!
(Okay, so this is one of the dresses I bought. In other words… don’t be hatin’ on this one too much, or you’ll make me cry.)
It’s probably just as well my friend stopped me from taking more photos at this point. I’m sure we can all agree that I’ve made enough of a nincompoop of myself for one day.
Question Time: Have any of you seen Tomorrow When the War Began? What did you think?
Order Time: Anyone reading this in a country that isn’t Australia… if TWTWB shows up in a cinema near you, please see it. We Aussies need all the support for our films that we can get. Unfortunately, Oprah can’t bring her audience to us every year…
I’ll probably see it on DVD…
That was actually what I’d decided to do… the night before my friend asked me to see it with her
I haven’t seen it… and I won’t until I’ve read the books (I think I’m the only Australian child of the 90s who missed out on this :\). You’re welcome to lend them to me, if ya wanna speed up the whole process!
That trifle looks awesomeeeeee. I waaaant.
I also think you totally rock that first dress, believe it or not! I wanna see the others you bought!!
Aw, thanks love! Y’know, Lizzi, if you *do* want to see the other dresses, and ’cause other people seem to as well… wanna come over and take stupid photos of me in them in elaborate poses? You could bring dress-ups too and we could make a day of it!
You really oughta read the series. Apparently kids study it in school now? My copies are still at my parents’ house, though…
I have seen the movie — it’s what inspired me to read the books, actually. I liked the movie, but didn’t love it.
However, I love that dress. Why no photos of the others?
Well, ’cause my friend thought I was being silly taking photos
And we have no full length mirror at my place, so I can’t take photos of myself in the ones I did buy 
Would you actually want to see them though?!
And hey, if the movie was good enough to inspire you to read the books, that’s (equally) good enough for me!
Yes, I kind of have a thing for dresses. I love buying them, and wearing them, and looking at them. But that’s okay, I often promise dress photos to people and then never follow through
It actually seems that a few people would be interested in seeing them… I simply have to convince someone to play photographer with/for me
So far, my mum is looking like the only optiong. Did I mention how cool I am?
Oh man, that movie is out now? I had completely forgotten. I saw the trailer online months ago and thought I might see the movie, then proceeded to forget about its existence. I guess I didn’t get reminded often enough because the only advertising I’m exposed to is the posters on bus shelters, since I don’t really watch TV (well, any TV shows I watch, I download — ooh, slap on wrist, etc) and I don’t really listen to the radio. But I thought the trailer looked pretty good so I’ll probably see the movie. I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie… umm I saw a special screening of The Return of the King in June when the beautiful Regent Cinema was about to shut down and was doing a showcase of movies from each decade since it opened, but prior to that… no idea. But then again, when someone asks me on Monday what I did on the weekend, I always hesitate and then have to think pretty hard, so apparently my brain just doesn’t like recalling events or something. Nice work.
That first dress looks like someone cut up a Monet and concertina-folded it. Amazing. In other words, I like it but I could never wear it.
My brain is *exactly* the same. Things I always have trouble remembering: what I did on the weekend, my age, my birthday-date, my pants, the fact that I shouldn’t eat half a jar of peanut butter for morning tea…
TWTWB isn’t a brilliant piece of film-making-cinematography-yadda-yadda-yadda, but I did enjoy it
And oooh, Monet! I really wish I could think of somewhere I could wear the dress. But I think I made the right decision in not buying it for that reason.
I can’t remember my age either! What is with that? I had to remember it this morning and I honestly had to do the maths to figure out that I’m 25, not 24. At least I never forget my birth year. But I remember participating in a TMS study in my lab (TMS = temporarily knocking part of your cortex out of action with a magnetic pulse, not fun because the pulse makes your face/head muscles twitch violently) and I was filling out the participant form and it asked for age and I honestly didn’t know. And the two research assistants were sitting there watching me fill out the form and I kept apologising for not knowing my age and “just give me a couple of seconds to work it out” but I was getting nervous and that was impairing my mental arithmetic… sigh.
Slightly different from when you’re a kid and someone asks you how old you are and you’re like “8 and three-quarters!!!” before they even finish their sentence…
I agree absolutely with every part of this, bar the uncontrolled facial twitching. Just yesterday I was talking to my parents and this was me: “I mean, I’m only… uh, 24? No, wait. 23. 23? Mum? Am I 23?” Luckily, she knew what was what, and we could progress as normal.
I’m so glad someone else is with me on this, because most people look at me like I’m crazy when I can’t remember. And I also clearly recall the days of telling people my age was “10 in a month and four days!!!!”
Loved all those dresses – you really should have bought that first one – soooo romantic! I look forward to seeing them and the ones you didn’t photograph – your anti-photographing friend is a spoilsport; but lucky you to have friends who go shopping with a shopping-hater nonetheless.
And – that trifle: Is it wheat free, too?
But of course, Grandma! This was back from the Buntine days, so was certainly wheat-free. (There’s a small chance that photo is almost two years old…
)
It seems people love that first dress, and my friend did too, but I simply can’t see myself wearing it anywhere! Hopefully you’ll see the other new ones soon
And, we call it Parfait (which in itself is a bit of a misnomer I believe) not Trifle (which should have cake in it) but what’s in a name. (I presume this is one that I made?!)
Oh, and go the muu-muu! There never was a more comfortable dress.
I did originally type parfait but then I changed it because, beyond our family, no one else seems to know that type of dessert as a parfait
I decided to go with the term most people would use 
And yep! This was, perhaps, from when Rie visited… 
maybe oprah should include a high profile viewing of TWTWB on her trip to Australia
I never read this book at school – I think I was before its time – but I read it recently and wondered how they would do the film – glad to hear you enjoyed it as I worried how it would be.
cute dresses – vintage clothes shopping is fun even if only to see the cool old clothes on display – I actually thought the first dress was sweet but wondered where you would wear it – obviously to your hippie stall at some farmers market where you could sell the quinoa you were growing in your bra!
I never read it at school either – in fact, I only discovered a few weeks ago that people study it these days in high school! I do have to say that my opinion of the film is just my non-critical-non-film-knowing opinion… apparently a lot of people didn’t like it. But heck, I’d rather see TWTWB than one of the billions of shoot-em-up-aliens-blowing-up-buildings-forty-minute-car-chase-generically-pretty-women-in-bikinis movies that are around these days!
Do you think I *could* get away with selling that quinoa if I was wearing the dress? I fear it’s not very hygienic…
ha! looks like a fun day!
It certainly was!
I think trepidatious is a word! lol And very cute fashion pics. Hehe wasn’t your friend happy that you were taking photos?
Nope, not at all. She actually doesn’t like photos in any form- she’s lucky enough to have a photographic memory, but I struggle even remembering what people I know look like, so photos are a boon for me! And thanks
I saw the movie and really liked it. Like you, I had my fears that the movie could not live up to the book, and that Caitlin Stasey was not a strong enough actress to play the part of Ellie. but I’m pleased to say how wrong i was, she did a great job and Stuart Beattie also did a great job of writing the screen play. I really wanted it be longer so we could see the development of the characters more; like John Marsden allows us to get to know the characters so well in the book, but I suppose you can’t squeeze everything in to 104 minutes. Like your new clothes too:)
Thanks Yvonne! Do you work for the movie company (just asking because of your blog/url)? If so… can I have a cameo in the next one? I’ll totally jsut sit in the background eating chocolate
I guess, in terms of getting to know the characters better, we’ll just have to hope that they make more of the series into movies! Hey, it worked for Harry Potter and Twilight, right?
I’ve said trepidatious before!
I think you looks kinda like a spy in the second photo…Katarzyna Yvgenov, secret agent!
You second caption reminds me of how when I was in college, we had a string (a streak?) of incidents involving a trenchcoat-&-sunglasses-wearing perv. The Flasher exposed himself (naked under the coat) to several young women at several locations on campus. The hilarious thing was when the school newspaper published a map showing all the locations where the Flasher had struck. I don’t know why, but I found that hysterical…
I think the third one looks kind of flapper-esque, but I might be weird. I like it!
I will watch out for that movie :] Though I have only seen 3 or 4 movies in as many years, heh.
Then it’s official: trepidatious is a real word!
Oooh, I’d love to be a spy. I’d be like Jennifer Garner in Alias… *laughs* I find that map hilarious too. Gosh, journalists have some strange ideas. Were they hoping some maths genius would crack the code of the Flasher’s movements and find out that the locations, all up, spelled “Gotcha!” or something?!
I love the flapper style, so yay! 1920s FTW!
So glad to hear that you enjoyed the movie. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a screening with the author, after which the wonderful Mr Marsden was interveiwed by Jason Steger from The Age (and the First Tuesday Book Club) , then we had a Q and A sesion, a book signing, a nice little chat….he is a lovely man, and deserves every success.
Loved the outfits…..this should be a regular side-feature on your blog!
Oh, lucky you! I’ve met him a few times in such contexts, and he’s always seemed genuinely wonderful.
Let me add to the general acclaim for the first dress. I think all it needs is that neck valance removed and it would be even more fabulous. I haven’t seen TWTWB yet, but would like to. Although it’s nearly finished here I think, it might have to be on DVD.
Gosh, sounds like I really should have bought the first one! I think I would’ve if the neck part had been detachable – I was disappointed when I discovered it wasn’t. Would love to know what you think of the movie, whenever you see it. It seems to have divided opinion!
Phew. I was looking at the last dress, thinking that I really quite like it and how it is quite similar to a dress that I own, and I got all sad that you were teasing it about being muu-muu-ish but then I read that you actually bought it and my thoughts changed to making a mental note not to wear my similar dress when we finally hang out and eat lots of chocolate together (not because I’m scared of getting chocolate on my dress but because, in the words of Heidi Klum, we don’t want to be “matchy matchy”.. or maybe we do, to help us recognise each other? Oh dear this is all too complicated I think I need Harmony Sweet-Feather to tell me what to do)
Harmony Sweet-Feather would most likely tell you to go with your heart but always, always make sure you have protection made of eagle-fur in your handbag at all times, particularly when you’re cliff-diving from a river. (The sprouted bra-quinoa has hallucinogenic properties.)
Perhaps we could both wear our muu-muus to the airport, then once we’ve recognised each other we could whip them off to reveal incredibly different other outfits worn beneath?
I actually think the second one is pretty cute! Maybe it would be better in a brighter color, though. And I, for one, can never get enough nicompoopery (I mean, if we’re making up words and all).
Oooh, that’s a good’un! I’ve actually been using “nincompitude” in my head for awhile now. I think I’m going to try and make it happen
Gosh, perhaps I shouldn’t ever post the other dresses, because it seems like I made all the wrong decisions!
Yet another thumbs up for the first dress, plus an acknowledgement that it isn’t very practical. It could be your costume party-Halloween in the U.S. dress, but few other applications. I looove clothing photos, so post those new ones!
I’ll have to find someone to help me take the photos first! Wanna come over on the weekend?
Gah, I wish I *could* think of somewhere to wear that dress! I kinda want it now!
Havent seen TWTWB but probably will now that you’ve given it a big thumbs up (I was thinking along the lines you were) but now I’m thinking along the lines you are…, easily swayed…., that’s me…. by a good blogster.
Cool dress, good purchase…. all round fun day, thanks for sharing.
Oh gosh, now I don’t want you to see it! You’ll probably hate it and then think really badly of me and never trust anything I say ever again!
Let me simply state that I don’t trust my own judgements on movies in the way I trust my judgements on chocolate… so take me with a grain of salt
Of course, goes without saying. 1 grain of salt + 1 Hannah taken (shaken, not stirred you understand….., goes down better that way)
Aw!
I think I go quite well with an olive, too. And one of those little fancy umbrellas…
I was going to tell you that I liked the floral one. I’m glad you bought it!
Hurrah! And thank you! What do you think, good for a Melbourne summer, or too colourful for your city?
Perfect for a Melbourne summer!
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