Well, this is awkward.
I wish this post was celebrating a win at the Redlands Business and Retail Awards held on Saturday night, but alas, this year I missed out (last year, I won the Redland Woman in Business Award).
Still, I’m a “look on the bright side” and “the glass is always full” kinda gal, so let’s just appreciate the following instead:
- I’m in an industry which HAS awards. As the hubster noted, there is no such thing as awards or recognition for millions of workers – even thought they may deserve it!
- Not only that, I was a FINALIST!
- I got to dress up as a golden girl;
- And, we had a great night out π .
What I Wore to the Awards Gala
Would you believe, my entire outfit come in at just over $100.
The Dress: I picked up this knee length gold dress on special at Millers for $10 (reduced from about $50 or $60), and made one simple alteration to style it to suit me. Can you guess what I did?
The neckline was straight across and a bit blah, so I added a bit of gentle ruching to make it more flattering.
The Bag: I picked up my Olga Berg patent clutch from the op shop, for $18. It’s pretty expensive for an op shop buy, but when you consider the same bag sells for over $100 new … it’s a pretty good deal.
The Shoes: My Diana Ferrari heels were the most expensive item. Miss 20 and I both bought a pair in a “buy one, get one half price” special earlier this year, which worked out to $75 each.
The Necklace: I must confess, I’ve had the necklace for so long I don’t even remember where or when I bought it, let alone how much it cost. So let’s just say it was free!
Back to the matter at hand …
I don’t know what else I could have done to secure a win. I thought my interview for judging went well, but obviously somebody else managed to do a better job.
Truly, I’m stoked to be a finalist.
And you know what?
I have more clients than I did this time last year, I’m making more money, still love what I do AND I’m alive to enjoy it … so that’s gotta be a win in anybody’s book!
What are you celebrating or trying to make the best of today?!
Linking up with Kylie Purtell for IBOT.
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Well, that outfit is a winner for a start! I can’t believe that dress was only $10 – what a steal! You may not have won an award but with a successful business, work that you love, and a happy, healthy you, I’d say you’re winning at life!
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Sammie! Winning would have been the icing on the cake, but cake is pretty darn good even without icing π
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
Love the outfit and what an honour to be a finalist! You’re doing so well! π
Janet Camilleri says
Thank you lovely Min x
Vanessa says
It’s still amazing to be a finalist!! And that’s a bargain night out outfit. Out out ? Hmm. Anyway, sounds like you had a great time and looked great – that’s a pretty big win!
Janet Camilleri says
Haha and thanks π
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
Well you definitely look like a winner! So hard to believe that dress only cost you $10!!!! And the alteration you did was brilliant! Congratulations on being a finalist!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks, I was nervous as I’m not very good at sewing, so am really pleased with how it turned out.
Julia says
So proud of you mum and you look stunning!!!
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks PDB so did you x
Bec Senyard says
Love your dress Janet. You’re a winner in my eyes. How wonderful to be a finalist again. x
Janet Camilleri says
Thank you Bec x
Nicole @ The Builder's Wife says
I love that dress on you! I have an awards lunch on Friday, I am very much looking forward too. I love that there are opportunities for us to be recogonised for our hard work. Sorry you didn’t take out the main prize this year.
Janet Camilleri says
Having won an award once (last year), at least I can now say I’m an award winning business woman π
Melissa @ All Around Oz says
Well done Janet for making the finals again. You look fab in the dress so that’s a win regardless!
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Melissa, it’s not often I get the opportunity to dress up so that was a major benefit!
Renee Wilson says
Congratulations, Janet! Finalist is pretty darn awesome. You look stunning too. Clever you with the ruching and for nabbing such a bargain!!
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Renee! I was nervous the ruching wouldn’t work but it was done in such a way I could easily remove it if need be π
Bron @four2adore says
I love your positive outlook on the night’s events! Congratulations on being a finalist, and you looked absolutely lovely.
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Bron, I felt like a golden girl even if I didn’t take home the trophy π
Denyse says
Gosh how clever you are to alter an outfit..and it looks stunning on you. I am sorry you did not win but making finalist is good too!
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Denyse, I’m pretty chuffed π