Flashblak. A story in 3 parts
Act 1 STYLE
My mum is the most beautiful, smart, inspiring woman I have ever known. I loved her style. No matter where she went, she always styled up. Accessories, lipstick, (coral her favourite colour) to match her olive skin....

Mum’s sister, Aunty Paula (right of me) my second mum. She introduced me to second hand shopping. we’d spend hours finding bargains, clothes, shoes, bags, hats, broaches (my addiction) we knew the best stores. Only shop on Cheap Tuesday!

Older sister Karen was on point 80s. Shoulder pads, tick. We shared a lot of clothes. My brother loved fashion too. Us siblings bonded over shopping. (Which was limited in 80s Cairns. TG) And of course our fros.

I would look through old photos and try to find clothes at op shops like mum’s. I loved the old world charm of the 40s & 50s. They were classy & classic. I also loved the 60s & 70s funky threads.

My style became a merge of mum’s old style classics & my siblings 80s chic. From eclectic and boho to classic and retro. I sourced my clothes from vinnies.

Other Murris saw me dressing up as being stuck up. ‘You think you’re better than us! You uptown Murri! You flashblak!’ It didn’t bother me. It made me laugh. I wasn’t rich or flash. I was just good at op shopping & had a unique style.

Clothes bring me happiness & great memories. I still have this dress I wore when I was 3 & dad’s shirt. I kept mums dress intent on making it a mini dress. When she passed we dressed her in it. She looked beautiful as always. But we laughed thank god I didn’t cut it short

TBC....