Giggling Middle Aged Men

Today I had the unsavoury task of waking up at 4am, as I had to get to the airport bright & early for the redeye to Melbourne.

Although an interesting story might entail what I presented on at the CAMMS Performance Management Summit 2012 at the Hilton on the Park, it's the flight I'll tell you about.

I had the opportunity to make Single Serve Friends (thank Fight Club for that reference). You know, the people you sit next to during the flight, pretend you care about what they have to say, swap cards and then never speak to them again.

Unfortunately my 4am wake up call inhibited any useful conversation I might have attempted on the flight, so instead I chose to soak in all the interesting things going on around me.

More specifically, the couple sitting next to me. Well I thought they were a couple. He cracked ridiculous jokes for the entire flight, followed by nervous giggles (literally after everything he said) and she tried her best to turn that into conversation.

And just for the record, there is nothing great about middle aged men giggling.

I figured this might be their first dirty weekend away together, and the nervousness and awkward laughing was his way of coping.

Turns out I was wrong. They both work for the same company & were on their way to a conference for the day.

Awkward.

I wonder if there will be any office romance after this little jaunt? I hope so. It would have to lessen the tension and make things easier for the next in-flight seat neighbour to cope with.

Pretty Little Stealers

Yes, I took this photo myself.

I love a good photo as much as the next person, particularly when they are for my website or blog, but as I've learnt over the years, you can't just randomly google for a great image and stick it on your site. That's called stealing.

These days I take my own photos, or work with photographers and use theirs. For stories on Glam Adelaide, if those first two options don't work, we are generally supplied images by PR agencies or directly from the person/company (when we're writing about something they've done).

Enter the blog.

Every man and his dog has a blog these days (check this out for proof) and there are some incredible ones out there - but what frustrates me is when people make themselves look fabulous while ripping off someone else's hard work.

Are you allowed to use any photo you find on the web and publish it on your blog?

I was under the impression you couldn't do that, and we drill that message in to our interns at Glam.

But every day, I see example after example of people posting all sorts of great images on their own blog, without credit to the site where it was pinched from, or credit to the photographer.

Is this acceptable now? Have I missed the boat?

Photographers, what do you have to say about this? Am I being old school by only publishing images I know we're allowed to use? Is the internet a free-for-all now? Can we just take whatever we want?

Why do I feel like the only person who is playing by the rules? Are there others out there like me?

At least with the launch of Pinterest, photos are linked back to their website of origin - but again, what happens when the origin is someone's blog rather than the photographer or company that originally commissioned the shot.

Just some food for thought. 

Judging Myer Fashions On The Field

Casey Saint, Face of the Adelaide Casino Adelaide Cup

I'm not sure why I do this to myself. I've agreed to judge the Myer Fashions On The Field, South Australian Preliminary Finals and State Final of the Women’s Racewear competition. This is terrible news. It means I can't enter. It also means I'll be spending the day hanging out with super glamour Rebecca Judd, who is the Myer Ambassador. As someone who had a baby at the same time as me, there is the potential for us to sit there, swap baby photos and talk about nappies, but somehow I don't think that will be happening. Instead I'll be wondering how she managed to lose her baby weight so quickly.

Anyway, focus Kelly. Back to the point of today's blog. The Myer Fashions On The Field.

I'm actually quite excited about this, because in some small way, by judging again I'll be able to help give direction to the women of Adelaide as to what is and isn't acceptable at the races. One of my passions.

As someone who has previously won several Fashions on the Field, I feel somewhat qualified to be dishing out this advice, so here they are. My pearls of wisdom. Please note, these are specifically targeting those wanting to win fashions on the field - or just look fabulous on the day.

Race Day Fashion

1. Wear a hat or fascinator. This is the races. It is expected. It is tradition. It is a great way to accessorise your outfit. If you can afford it, go to a milliner and have something made to match your outfit. If hats scare you, there are lots of great little fascinators which work just as well, and make your outfit into a race day outfit. Without a head piece you may as well be going to a cocktail party. Come on, this is the RACES! Make the most of it.

2. Limit the amount of skin you are showing. This is not the beach. Nor is it a nightclub. Do not show too much cleavage or leg if you actually want to have a shot at winning the Fashions. This is a classy affair ladies. There are plenty of other places to wear your new sexy, figure hugging outfit, so leave it in the wardrobe and find an outfit that specifically works for Race Day fashion.

3. Wear appropriate shoes. The Fashions On The Field are held early in the day. Wear fabulous shoes that match your outfit. Then, if you can't bear to be in those shoes all day (on grass in particular) take a change of shoes for when you're not on the catwalk. DO NOT GO BAREFOOT. Ever. That rule goes for anyone at the races. If you can't wear them all day, either bring a change with you or don't wear them in the first place. There is nothing more unglamorous than girls without shoes on. We want you to look special on the catwalk, but we also value your integrity for the rest of the day.

4. Pay attention to the little details. As a judge we look at everything. It helps us choose between you and your competitor. Make sure your nails are neat and  clean and your nailpolish matches your outfit. Fingers and toes ladies. If your handbag doesn't go with your outfit, get one of your friends to hold it - don't bring it up on stage. Make sure your make up is touched up. Make sure you don't have red wine teeth. Make sure your hair has been looked at since the last time you went out in the wind. VPL - avoid it if possible. Shave your legs. Moisturise. Trim loose threads on your outfit. All these little things matter.

5. Wear something you're comfortable in. If you feel good and are confident in your outfit, you're more likely to look GREAT!

6. Last but not least, wear a versatile outfit. If you WIN the Adelaide Cup Myer Fashions On The Field this Autumn, you'll be sent over to Melbourne in SPRING to compete in the Melbourne Cup Fashions On The Field - in the SAME outfit! Unfortunately this is just part of how it all works, so try and wear something that looks good now, but will also work during Spring Racing Carnival too. You never know what the weather will do during either event anyway, so having something that works on a hot or cold day (ie think about jackets, umbrellas, shawls etc) can be useful regardless.

Good luck ladies!