MISSY CONFIDENTIAL
Meet Sophie Mackay
If your job has you working behind the scenes and climbing ladders, it doesn't mean you can't be a scene stealer.

Missy

Mar 01, 2014 12:27
by Missy

Sophie Mackay

Sophie Mackay

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Sophie Mackay

Can you tell us a little about where you work, and what you wear to work?

I work as an Assistant Stage Manager predominately in opera. It requires spending a lot of time on my feet either in rehearsal or on stage. At work I’m usually seen in a dress or skirt and my brown boots. I also try to wear a belt so I can clip on a torch and my headset pack. And pockets! Great for pencils, notebooks, keys etc. I have a few LBD’s from the 50’s and 80’s for performances, unless I’m required to crawl around or something. Then it’s black jeans.

Sophie Mackay

This 80's dress fits you like a glove! Where did you find it? 

This dress is a favourite and typically what I wear everyday. I found it at a Grandma Takes A Trip sale for $40. It had massive shoulder pads in it, which looked ridiculous on me so I took them out. The dress is great for adding accessories to, and can go from day to night easily. The belt came from another skirt. I live in these brown boots. I found them for $40 at the Shoe warehouse in Kingsgrove and loved them so much I bought two pairs. I’m often doing that. A red bag had been on the agenda for several years when I saw this one in a magazine. I knew this was it so went and bought it straight away. 

Sophie Mackay

Sophie Mackay

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Sophie you told us a story about how you haven't always dress in vintage, can you retell our Missy readers?

I’ve always loved getting dressed up, but the industries I’ve worked in have never required it. Uniforms, jeans and t-shirts were the general attire. At some point I think I became sick of waiting for the occasions to wear nice clothing and so it became a part of everyday. The way I look at it now is, as long as I can climb a ladder, lift, carry and stand on my feet for long periods of time I can wear what I want.

Sophie Mackay

What's your regime for keeping your hair gorgeous?

I have great colourist! Simon at Simon Bright Salon in Darlinghurst. He is brilliant at reading people and concocting the perfect colour for them. Products he has me using are Original Minerals Fine Intellect Shampoo and Conditioner, Seven Day Miracle (it smells amazing) and Atonic Thickening Spritz for styling. My hair is so fine and there isn’t much of it so the Thickening Spritz has been a saviour.

Sophie Mackay

How does dressing in Vintage make you feel?

Natural. I could never make the latest fashions work for me. I’ve tried but it’s always a disaster.

Sophie Mackay

Where do you look for style inspiration? Any favourite blogs or mags?

My grandmother was my first style inspiration. At ninety-seven the nurses, that cared for her, knew better than to let her receive guests without her lipstick on. Also Genevieve Antoine Dariaux who wrote a gorgeous little book called A Guide to Elegance. It was published in 1964 but, slightly adapted, is still relevant today. These days I think my style is more influenced by film, theatre, arts and television. One day it might be Picnic At Hanging Rock and the next it might be Chrissy Amphlett, Gossip Girl or Derek Gores. It’s always changing. I also sign up to receive newsletters: Net-a-Porter, Missy Confidential, The Outnet, matchesfashion.com are a few.

Sophie Mackay

Sophie Mackay

Your wardrobe is packed with vintage jewels, how long have you been collecting?

Probably since I was little. Most of my jewels were my grandmother’s. Every couple of months I would pull all her jewellery boxes, cases and drawers apart to play with her necklaces, brooches and earrings etc. I started buying my own about fifteen years ago and I get given a lot from people that know how much I love the earlier decades.

Sophie Mackay

Sophie Mackay

Where did you find this gorgeous blue frock?

The blue 50’s prom dress is very special to me. It was one of the first. I bought it from Shag and it makes me feel like a princess. The 60’s belt was bought at the same time. The shoes are from Holt Renfrew in Montreal. They were on sale and are too pretty. I especially love their heel. The skull clutch is from Bangkok. I love skulls. Not angry skulls though. Just fun skulls. A combination of crystals and skulls…I couldn’t resist.

Sophie Mackay

Sophie Mackay

sophie

Sophie Mackay

What items are you on the look out for when shopping? Shapes, colours, era etc?

The first thing I spot will be colour. I love colour! Lots of reds, yellows, greens, purples, blues and pinks. Both bright’s and pastels. I don’t wear a lot of neutral colours. The fabrics I love wearing are cotton, silk, chiffon, lace and leather. Unfortunately so many vintage dresses were made from polyester so it is heavily featured in my wardrobe.

As to shapes, anything with a waist is a winner. Early 60’s and anything from the 50’s are great. Then there was the 80’s when the shapes were the same but the colours were so much louder and the prints were bolder. Brilliant! 

Sophie Mackay

Are there any things in your wardrobe you don’t wear but can't bare to part with?

Not really. There are dresses I haven’t worn yet: a floor length floral 50’s ball gown, an 80’s black sparkly cocktail number. I am determined to wear them at some point though. I tend to find a new love for my clothes.

Sophie Mackay

Where do you love to hunt for dresses and accessories?

It’s really hard to pass a second hand shop or op shop without sticking my head in for a quick look. Also eBay. I buy a lot of clothes and jewellery online. Forever New and Cotton On are great for plain singlets and long-sleeved tops. And friends. They know my style really well and are always telling me about new shops or a dress that they saw in a window.

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Sophie

Sophie Mackay

How would you describe your style in 3 words?

Colourful, ever-changing, vintage.

We love this bicycle, where did you get it, where do you love to ride it?

Lottie! I bought her from Papillonaire in Surry Hills. Living in the city means I don’t need a car anymore so I often ride her to work. She also comes to Melbourne with me when I’m on tour.

Sophie Mackay

Sophie Mackay

Sophie Mackay

On skincare, your skin is so pale, how do you look after it? 

Lots of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses and occasionally the use of a parasol. I’m paranoid about getting burnt. It happens so quickly. I’m always chasing the shade when out during the day. Working in theatre helps too. Not much sunshine there.

Can you share your tips on your beautiful skin, what are your favourite products?

Wash your face every night! Get rid of the make up before you go to sleep. I also wear sunscreen every day and can’t bear to be outside without my sunglasses. And it’s never too early to start using an eye-cream. I’ve been using Dermalogica for quite a few years now. They have a product for everything. Their Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque is beautiful.

Sophie

What are your 5 favourite beauty products?

Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. It does what the name suggests. Dermalogica Precleanse. Great for removing makeup before you wash your face. Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer and Liquid Eyeliner in Brown. They really do last all day. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade. Brilliant for glowing skin.

Big thanks again to the lovely Camille Walsh. If you have a friend you think would be perfect for a style shoot, then send us an email via the contact us page, we'd love to hear from you.

PHOTOS by Camille Walsh

Our HUGE thank-you to Camille Walsh at  camillewalshphotography.com.au  for these beautiful photos.

Camille Walsh Photography 

 

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