Saturday Night Fever

Yesterday (Saturday) we went to see Opera Australia's current production of Madama Butterfly. I don't 'speak music' (any family musical genes, plus the genes for height, athleticism and patience, skipped me), so all I can say is that I absolutely loved it.

The set design and costumes were amazing, the orchestra incredible, the singers wonderful. I cried. Even Spouse said he felt quite emotional at the end of it.

Going to the opera at the Opera House is always an experience. This time, because it was a matinee, we walked straight out the theatre door to the view of the harbour, in full summer mode. It was busy and beautiful. It seemed a pity to rush home, so we had a glass of champagne and some oysters down at the Oyster Bar on Circular Quay, then caught a ferry to Birchgrove (ferry wharf pictured), where my long-suffering brother (who had been amusing Kids 1 and 2 at Bondi Beach, just to squeeze a few more Sydney cliches in) picked us up.

After all that emotion, no cooking was going to happen. We had Japanese takeaway for dinner, just to keep it thematic.

Three Colours: Red

Some time ago, I mentioned a local designer whose clothes I really like. Unfortunately, the only stand-alone shop was in Melbourne and my planned shopping trip never eventuated. So imagine my delight when I discovered that they had a new store in Sydney. Yesterday morning, feeling oddly melancholic and sick of sitting my cave writing, I ventured out.

The shop is in Paddington, where I lived when I first moved to Sydney, many years ago. In those days, you could afford to rent a (not terribly nice, it's true) share house in Paddo as a student; these days, it's all boutiques, art galleries and multi-million dollar abodes. Plus great shopping and a disproportionate number of long-legged models in incredible outfits - Sartorialist heaven. (Regular person hell.)

I tried on almost the whole winter collection, but I was very restrained. I loved this red skirt, but it was about an inch longer than I like (the model is about 6ft), and the hem detail would have made it complicated to adjust, so I passed. I did get a lovely 3/4 sleeve rust coloured silk/linen v-neck cardigan at 60% off, and ordered in a simple but beautifully made grey wool shift dress that I think will form the basis of my winter wardrobe ...

But that's not all. Emboldened, I ventured into the city to buy lipstick. More success - two MAC lippies, one a wearable red (Lady Bug), and another everyday colour with the alarming name of Hot Tahiti.

So what if the only 'people' who see my lipstick all day are the cats and dogs. I'm sure they'll appreciate me making the effort.